TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– More details have come out regarding incidents of racial harassment at West Vigo High School.
Speaking at a school board meeting Monday, Vigo County Schools interim superintendent Tom Balitewicz said that reports had been made to staff members at the school that were not handled responsibly.
“Evidently, the favorite approach amongst staff and coaches is to address all issues of this nature, primarily through conversation with students, followed by a warning not to engage in this behavior again, or else there will be consequences,” he said. “As a result of no discipline being issued, there has been a feeling among some that nothing ever gets addressed that actually snuffs out the incidents.”
Balitewicz said they are currently administering discipline to staff members involved. The corporation announced a number of upcoming changes to help avoid incidents in the future– including training for all staff members at West Vigo High School.
“This training must focus on going away from the ‘lone ranger’ approach,” he said. “This approach was endemic with this entire saga. Issues that were reported by students to adults that never made it to the school administration. This lack of reporting created a chilling affect for students wanting to report allegations.”
Balitewicz mentioned several students were disciplined as well, including suspensions and recommendations for expulsion. The school has hired an independent officer for expulsion hearing as part of due process rights.
