Residents urge stricter anti-harassment rules and investigation after racial slur allegations and other bullying incidents

At the public comment portion of the April 28 meeting, two community speakers asked the board to strengthen the district's bullying and harassment policies and pursue a formal investigation into specific incidents they described as racially motivated.

Sharika Finnessy asked the board to revise policy 6.3 and policy 6.304 (bullying/intimidation/harassment) to make clear the district is a "no-slur" district and that insults related to ability, appearance, culture, gender, home language, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or social class will not be tolerated. Finnessy also asked for consistent consequences across perpetrators and requested a complete and thorough investigation.

A separate parent described an incident he said occurred March 19, 2022, at a state-championship basketball game where, he said, a student hurled a racial slur at a group of Black players. He said the district gave a two-game suspension to the student in question, that rainouts and scheduling meant the actual missed time was longer, and that his son stepped away from play because he found the environment hostile. The parent also said graffiti with gang-related language was recently visible near a school gym and was only removed after the family alerted administrators.

Speakers said they want clearer enforcement, consistent disciplinary outcomes regardless of who the student is, and accountability from coaches and administrators when incidents are reported. The board thanked the speakers; no immediate board action, motions or votes were taken in response to the public comments. Board members asked staff to note concerns and, in at least one instance, to have legal counsel and administration follow up on necessary investigations and policy review.

The district did not announce an investigative timeline in the meeting transcript; speakers formally requested an investigation and policy revisions.