*The following statement regarding bullying and assault was released by the Mahomet-Seymour School District via email and social media on Sept. 23.
The Mahomet-Seymour School District supports and values all of our students and staff. We are a public school that welcomes and supports all. We are continually striving to create an inclusive environment as our school and community grow and become more diverse.
There is absolutely no rationale, excuse or tolerance for bullying in any context, place, time, or situation. The incidents of bullying of an LGBTQ+ student last week at Mahomet-Seymour High School, combined with speculation, rumors and inaccurate information on social media have created an unfortunate and disruptive environment in our HS and in our community as well. Bullying hurts other human beings. We can disagree and not harm others.
It is also important to let students and parents know that information continues to come forth and an investigation continues. I acknowledge that this doesn’t meet the timeline and expectations of some people. But in the spirit of being thorough, obtaining facts and evidence, and serving our students and families in the best way possible, we will determine the timeline as events unfold and information becomes available and ready to disseminate.
It must be stated that we can only investigate and address complaints and allegations of bullying if we are aware of them. We encourage anyone to come forward with information about any situation, and we also encourage the use of our anonymous reporting form, found here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSekxoW0i8LcUq…/viewform
The board policy that covers Bullying is Board Policy 7:180 and is found here: https://www.boardpolicyonline.com/?b=mahomet-seymour_3
While the hunger by some individuals for information is obvious, as a public school we owe it, legally and otherwise, to all students and families to maintain their privacy, confidentiality, and dignity. The lack of detailed information released in any situation does not constitute a “cover up” or “sweeping things under the rug”. Parents and the general public will not be apprised by the school district of the details of any investigation involving our students or staff, or the specific disciplinary action that is taken, or the specific restorative measures that are instituted. In the spirit of supporting and valuing all of our students and staff, please be cognizant of the fact that our actions as adults on-line or in person set an example. Let’s move ahead in kindness, seeking greater understanding and respect.
