Parent says child was asked to lift shirt in cafeteria; superintendent promises investigation

A Linden parent told the Board of Education that her 13‑year‑old daughter was publicly asked by a school authority to lift the corner of her shirt during lunch, a moment the parent said left the child humiliated and suffering anxiety.

“My daughter was put in a position that no child should ever be put into,” Latasha Cabeza told the board during the public‑comment period. “She was asked by an adult an authority to lift up the corner of her shirt to see what kind of pants she was wearing… She felt embarrassed. She felt powerless.”

Superintendent Dr. Perkins responded that the district views such concerns as unacceptable and that “a full investigation always takes place when any student is put in a position where they may not feel safe.” Perkins said the district will connect the family with internal staff and external providers as needed and offered to convene a team to support the student.

Perkins also advised the parent that if a family is considering a change of schools the district staff can discuss options and next steps, but that personnel specifics would be handled privately rather than at the public meeting.

The transcript of the meeting records the parent’s allegation and the superintendent’s pledge to investigate; the board did not take a formal vote on the matter during the meeting. No finding or disciplinary outcome is recorded in the meeting minutes; the matter remains open pending the district investigation.