MERCER ISLAND, Wash. -- An administrative law judge decided that the Mercer Island School district did not respond properly to a student's allegations of racial harassment.
The student's parents said he s been through a lot of pain while attending Islander Middle School. Nick and Robin Wilt said the problems started because of comments from one student in October of 2011.
Somebody had told him to, 'Shut up you stupid Black,' said Robin.
She said she reported it to the Principal and expected the situation to be handled.
Obviously that was not the case because two weeks later there was yet another incident, said Robin. My son was told, 'you must be exported from Mexico.'
This time the boy's parents asked the district for a full investigation.
From the Principal who investigated after the second incident to the Superintendent to the Board of Directors, all of them said move along, move along, there s nothing to see here, said Nick.
They said the district denied it was a racial incident.
Our son has a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, and the district used that information to say perhaps he was at the root of the problem, said Robin.
Not satisfied with the response, the parents kept pushing until the issue went before an administrative law judge who found the school district discriminated against the student in its handling of the allegations. The judge ordered the school district to provide more training for teachers and staff.
We do feel vindicated, said Nick.
Nick and Robin Wilt said they are considering a civil lawsuit against the school district.
Statement from Dr. Gary Plano, Mercer Island School District Superintendent:
The Mercer Island School District serves a diverse community and is committed to providing an educational environment free from any discrimination, including student-on-student, harassment and bullying. The school board, administration and staff all share this commitment.
The District respectfully disagrees with the administrative law judge s determination. The teachers and administrators in this situation took immediate action to address the situation in the fall of 2011, and we worked extensively with the family and school community. These measures have been effective.
The District is reviewing with legal counsel whether to appeal the decision and due to anticipated litigation has no further comment at this time.
