Parent raises bullying concerns; board members praise students for peaceful protest

Jasmine Smith, a York City School District resident, used the public-comment period on Feb. 18 to tell the board she is ‘‘hitting a brick wall’’ trying to get help for her child and asked the district to address bullying and cyberbullying.

"I wanted to see if I can talk to you guys about the bullying, um, cyber bullying, any kind of bullying that's happening in the schools. Um, as a parent, I'm hitting a brick wall and I feel like I used every resource that was given and went to see," Smith said.

A board officer suggested staff speak with Smith privately after the meeting because the matter appeared to be personal and involved one child; staff offered to meet with her in the back of the room.

Later in the meeting a resident (who spoke from the audience) praised high school students who organized a recent protest and walkout related to immigration and ICE, saying students planned the action, conducted it peacefully and ‘‘exercised their right’’ responsibly. The resident said the students did not require police intervention and commended their conduct.

Board Director Breland publicly defended the students and said he would respond to hostile online comments targeting them. "When they say mean vile things, know that Mr. Breland is going to say something to you," he said, adding he would continue to protect the children.

What happened next: Staff offered to meet with Smith privately to discuss her concerns. No formal policy change or vote was recorded on bullying at the meeting; the public comments were taken under advisement.