(WHAM) - The Waterloo Central School District says it is investigating an alleged insensitive comment made by a high school staff member.
Friday, a large group of students walked out of class in response to the allegations. They say the alleged incident is demonstrative of a larger issue the district needs to address.
According to the district, it was alerted to a staff member’s alleged comment on Tuesday, which launched an investigation.
“The district takes seriously any alleged bullying, threats or inappropriate comments,” the district said in a statement Friday. “In accordance with the Dignity for All Students Act and Board of Education policies, reports are investigated thoroughly and handled accordingly.”
Students who organized Friday’s walk-out say more needs to be done.
Waterloo High School senior Colby Tears helped organize Friday’s protest. He tells 13WHAM the staff member made an insensitive remark concerning suicide.
He said this alleged comment is made especially disturbing in light of recent events. Tears says, at the end of the last school year, an 11-year-old student died by suicide.
“Suicide is not ever something that should be joked upon,” said Tears. “It is a serious thing, and we need this discussion started, especially at this school.”
He believes the school district has not acted swiftly enough to address the alleged comment.
“The school was made aware of this two days ago, and nothing has been changed, nothing has happened about it,” he said. “So, we agreed that we should do a walk-out.”
“We did it for change,” he added, “to get the ball started on suicide, to prevent it.”
A statement posted to the district's website explains the protest caused "substantial fear to the school community".
It goes on to state should a similar incident occur, the district says it will uphold its code of conduct and take disciplinary action against participating students.
Tears disputes the district's characterization of events.
"Anyone who walked into the school, from what we have heard, were scared because of the fact they were going to lose scholarships and sports events were going to be cancelled," he said Monday. "There was no banging on windows, and even if there was, we did address it. We told everyone that it needs to remain peaceful. We told people to back away from the the school and windows and doors."
Joshua LaMar is one of several parents who has told 13WHAM they were notified by the school district's attorney they won't be allowed on school grounds for taking part in Friday's assembly.
"These are parents of students at the school for even stepping foot on school property without written authorization from the superintendent. That’s ridiculous to me," said LaMar, "Even though it was a peaceful assembly, they don’t understand what the purpose is. The purpose is to change, and the purpose is to get the evil out of the school district."
Tears estimates between 150-200 people took part in the demonstration.
“The overall support that we got is absolutely heartwarming,” he said. “It’s amazing, and I’m so happy that everyone that has joined us did.”
13WHAM reached out to the Waterloo superintendent for comment on both the district's response, as well as notices some parents received banning them from school property. We have yet to hear back.
Meanwhile, district officials say they work hard to create a safe space and learning environment for all students.
“Each day, the district works to create a safe space and learning environment for all students,” it said. “The district will continue this focus and work with students, staff and community members to address all allegations and concerns in an appropriate manner.”
Tears said a meeting is planned for later this week to discuss proposed changes, including the hiring of additional counselors. On Monday, he said several dozen students are expected to take part in a silent protest. He says parents who want to show support have been asked to demonstrate peacefully on the side of the road near the school.
"We have all discussed this last night," said Tears, "and we all decided we are okay with these disciplinary actions, if any are taken against us."
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts and is in need of help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.