In tears over sexual harassment in school

[Lisa1970]

I have been locked up in complaint over my daughter being seriously sexually harassed and threatened at the local middle school. I have been through so much from Texas Education Agency to the local district school board to the local district superintendent office (Lewisville ISD) and so on. I have gotten no where!!!! It seems as if it is very true what we read, sexually harassment and threats are considered completely and totally acceptable in the public schools, at least our local schools. But from what I read in the news, I suspect this is a wide spread problem.

I am just so frustrated. Basically, the most recent problem is, I did not get some sort of consent form that was mailed to me in time so the case expired and it is past 180 days so I cannot just refile! That is with the US Department of Education. So, my children are denied an appropriate education and as far as I am concerned, the local public schools are nothing more than disgusting trash that knew they would get away with this and that students have no recourse.

If anyone else knows of anything else I can do, I feel like I should fight for my daughter. She has been a victim and she has been taught that the system says it is ok for this to be done to her. And they are saying it is ok for this to happen to anyone else this happens too, which is apparently a lot of kids here.

[Mackenzie]

I'm so sorry. I wish I had advice for you but it seems like you've done everything I would think to suggest. The school system us at the top of the (rather long) list of why we will never move to Texas....

[Irishmommy]

If the school board didn't send you a form they should have, that you need to do something the school board doesn't want you to do, then surely there's recourse?

If the person harassing your dd is over 12, can you press charges with the police?

If you don't already, I'd be talking with a lawyer.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by Mackenzie

The school system us at the top of the (rather long) list of why we will never move to Texas....

I don't think poor handling of sexual harassment, or other bullying, of students is unique to Texas.

Originally Posted by Irishmommy

If the school board didn't send you a form they should have, that you need to do something the school board doesn't want you to do, then surely there's recourse?

If the person harassing your dd is over 12, can you press charges with the police?

If you don't already, I'd be talking with a lawyer.

I agree. I would talk with a lawyer; it seems that you have gone as far as you can on your own.

[Mackenzie]

Didn't say it was. I said that the school system in Texas is one of the main reasons we would never consider moving there. This is not the only issue that we have with the Texas school system... Thanks tho

OP, I can't imagine the failure you are feeling from the school. Is legal involvement an option at this point? Your post seemed to indicate it was some time ago, or was that just the first event?

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by Mackenzie

Didn't say it was. I said that the school system in Texas is one of the main reasons we would never consider moving there.

A natural assumption based on the thread topic; otherwise, why bring it up?

[Mackenzie]

Uhm... because it involves the school system and the fact that she has went to the highest levels of support with that and has gotten no resolution, which I assure you, while not exclusive to Texas, is definitely not a pervasive issue. Why be so concerned with taking apart my post?

[oceanbaby]

You need a lawyer to write a letter.  Yes, it will cost you several hundred dollars at least, but you'll definitely get their attention, and probably some fast talking backtracking.

[eepster]

If this is a wide spread problem, then maybe you could get a lawyer interested in filing a class action suit.  It really sounds like you need a lawyer at this point.

[raelize]

not only would i engage a lawyer, if those kids are over 12 (or whatever the law says is the age)  i would absolutely be pressing charges.

[yoga4kat]

Call and report it to the police every time it occurs. I also agree on contacting a lawyer. Has the school investigated the harassment claims? Our school has about 10 days once the incident is reported. Sadly I've found that some schools and districts do try to cover up and minimalize situations like this.

[umsami]

Have you thought about contacting a local news channel? Not sure how much could be done and still respect your daughter's privacy... but it might put a very public eye on a problem in your local district. 

I don't know your financial situation, but if you can't afford a lawyer, I would try a recommendation from a local woman's shelter--they may know of a lawyer willing to do some pro bono work for you.  Another option would be your nearest law school. 

I think your daughter is very lucky to have a Mom like you.  Even if you don't get anywhere, she knows that you fought for her--and that's a wonderful thing.

[philomom]

I agree with calling the police. Tell the school that you are calling and why. No way should this be "okay" in any school district.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by Mackenzie 

Uhm... because it involves the school system and the fact that she has went to the highest levels of support with that and has gotten no resolution, which I assure you, while not exclusive to Texas, is definitely not a pervasive issue.

It involves one school district and the TEA; there are about 1200 school districts in Texas.

Why be so concerned with taking apart my post?

The Texas bashing is beginning to irritate me.

[Emmeline II]

http://www.equalrights.org/publications/kyr/shschool.asp

File a Lawsuit. You can also file a lawsuit against the school. If you want to do this, you should look into it quickly, because there are time limits for filing a lawsuit. In California, you must file a lawsuit within 2 years of an act of discrimination. Other states’ time limits vary from 1 to 6 years. If you have any questions about finding a lawyer or filing a lawsuit, you can call Equal Rights Advocates free Advice & Counseling Line at 800/839-4ERA. (See information below.)  88w

[kathymuggle]

Have you or your DD spoken to anyone (counsellor, womens centre, pastor) about this?  You have brought this issue up numerous times and I know you are hurting over it.  

if you are feeling any mommy guilt over the situation - please give yourself a firm talking to.

It is reasonable to expect our children to be safe at school - and your response when she wasn't (listenning to her, changing schools, filing complaints, and letting people know (online at least) that this stuff does go on has been spot on!  You rock momma!!!!

As per the current situation - a letter from a lawyer is in order.

if you really can't - write one yourself.  Put the burden on them - ask them if they are going to refuse to investigate a sexual harrassment claim because of a paperwork mishap (form filed late).  Ask for a response in writing to the above question.  I also imagine there is an appeal process to the whole thing if they want to close the file but you don't.  

I would also figure out exactly what you want from the school - an admission this happenned under their watch plus a plan to ensure this does not happen again would be my thoughts.  

Good luck!

Kathy

[Mackenzie]

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

It involves one school district and the TEA; there are about 1200 school districts in Texas.

The Texas bashing is beginning to irritate me.

Look, I am not going to list out the (lengthy) list of what my spouse and I dislike about education in Texas. That is not the point of this thread. It is unfortunate for the OP that it got derailed this way by one small statement. 

If the "Texas bashing" is bothering you (and I can't see how my expressing dislike for something about the state qualifies as "bashing"... but whatever... . If I was going to "bash" Texas, then I would list out ALL of the things that I don't like about it... and having lived there, with family still there, there are more than a few) then that is something that YOU need to deal with. People don't like things. People have reasons for not liking things. Others disagree.. whatever... I am sorry that my feelings offended you. It does not make them not valid.