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Prince Edward grandfather urges board to revisit student suspension tied to alleged hate incident
Summary
A grandfather told the board his 12-year-old grandson was suspended for 10 days for an alleged hate-related incident; he said the student had no intent and raised concerns that the school did not investigate intent before imposing discipline. Board staff offered avenues for appeal and follow-up.
A Prince Edward County grandfather told the school board he was deeply concerned after his grandson received a 10‑day suspension for conduct the family says was mistakenly characterized as a hate incident.
Everett Jones told the board he represents a multicultural family and said his 12‑year‑old grandson was disciplined for an act the family says showed no intent to intimidate. “This boy had absolutely no intent,” Jones said, adding that the student “is one of the sweetest, gentlest young men that you will ever meet.” Jones told the board the family had learned the child was accused of a hate crime and that the boy was suspended before an investigation of intent.
Jones said his grandson also has been the target of slurs at school; he asked the board to address the broader climate as well as the specific disciplinary decision. He said the family did not wish to pursue a committee appeal at that time but warned he could make the matter more public if it was not addressed.
Board Chair Lucy Carson and other board officers advised Jones that the district’s appeals process is available and encouraged him to pursue an appeal if he wished. A staff member offered to assist with next steps; the meeting record shows a pledge that “Mister Good will give you a call tomorrow” to explain the appeal process and meeting arrangements.
The public comment period ended without a board action on the matter. The record shows the board told Jones how to request an appeal and that staff would follow up to help schedule confidential proceedings rather than discuss student discipline in open session.
