Parents, student and counsel tell board they experienced failures in reporting and protections at West Jordan High

A student, his mother and an attorney addressed the Jordan Board of Education during public comment on Oct. 28, describing a series of incidents at West Jordan High School and calling for changes in reporting, protective measures, and athletic discipline.

Those who spoke described a timeline in which a student reported an alleged assault to school staff in September 2024; the speakers said the family believed school staff did not promptly report the allegation to child‑protective services or law enforcement and that protective measures were delayed. Counsel for the family, attorney Jeff Reif, urged the board to investigate what the family characterized as “systemic failures” in reporting and school responses and to ensure future compliance with mandatory‑reporting requirements.

Student testimony and requested remedies: Senior Cody Nelson, who spoke to the board, described being assaulted and subsequently moved to a separate locker room while teammates who admitted wrongdoing were allowed to continue on varsity. Nelson and his mother, Michelle McPhee, said the victim felt isolated and that disciplinary measures were inadequate. The speakers asked the board to:

- Investigate administrative handling and possible delays in reporting to law enforcement or child‑protective authorities; - Reassign students responsible for assaults when warranted and hold staff accountable for reporting lapses; - Extend video retention for school cameras (the family requested a 60–90 day retention window); - Install cameras in weight rooms and other high‑risk non‑private spaces; - Adopt trauma‑informed protocols to avoid revictimization during investigations.

District and board response: District staff listened to public comment during the meeting. Board members did not take public action at the meeting; several said the board would examine the issues raised through the appropriate administrative and legal channels. Board policy and state law govern mandatory reporting and Title IX processes, and the district indicated it would route formal requests and documentation through the district’s investigative and legal procedures. The family said they had already provided written statements to school officials and to the district.

Why it matters: The public comments raised concerns about student safety, Title IX investigation timelines, and the district’s ability to provide timely protective measures for alleged victims. The speakers asked for policy and practice changes that would affect school security equipment, records‑retention policies and staff training and accountability.

What to watch: District legal and Title IX procedures, any administrative investigation summaries provided to the board, and whether the district pursues changes to camera coverage or video retention policies. The statements reported to the board are allegations that have not been adjudicated in public record; the district would be the entity to confirm investigative outcomes or administrative actions.