An audience question at the Lorain City Schools candidate forum asked how the district would ensure both male and female students are treated fairly in sexual‑harassment complaints and other disciplinary cases.

The audience framed the concern this way: a student felt a young man was blamed without a full, neutral investigation. Candidates recommended measures to ensure neutrality and fairness.

Candidate Diamaris Rosario said investigators should be “properly trained…to make sure that they're non biased,” and proposed that investigators avoid jumping to conclusions and interview all parties and witnesses. Mark Ballard II called for mediators and counselors to be available so the district can be “proactive instead of reactive” and provide interventions before discipline escalates.

Devon Marie Jeffers suggested using outside agencies with trained psychologists and psychiatrists to reduce perceptions of bias and to corroborate findings. Several candidates recommended expanding wellness coaches or counseling resources so students are assessed and supported rather than only punished.

No specific policy changes or investigations were announced at the forum. Candidates described procedural improvements they would pursue if elected, including training for staff who conduct interviews and the potential use of outside neutral evaluators to handle sensitive investigations.