Huron Board of Education candidates say what the district should do about the Title IX lawsuits

HURON – The Huron Board of Education candidates told Huron Insider about what they think Huron City Schools should do about the two Title IX lawsuits that have been filed against the district.

This was one of seven questions on a questionnaire that all of the candidates responded to. Huron Insider will be posting one of the questions along with the responses each night this week (August 15-August 21). These articles can be found here.

The Huron Board of Education candidates are John C. Adams, Sherry Catri, Stacey Hartley, Ryan Hathaway, Stacy Hinners, Kimberly King, Andra Kurtz, and Elizabeth Laffay.

The candidates answers to the question “What should the district do about the two Title IX lawsuits that have been filed against them?” are below.

Adams:

At this point regarding the existing two Title IX lawsuits that are already moving forward, I’m not sure much can be done other than allowing it to work through the legal channels that the District’s legal counsels and representatives are recommending. Also, without a working knowledge of the facts in the case, it is very difficult to play armchair quarterback.

Catri:

I am not sure what options the new board will have in regards to the lawsuits. I would hope those who are elected to the board, along with whoever is hired as the new superintendent, are not put in a situation to where they are expected to defend the actions of a previous board and administration. The events have progressed to point where the legal system will need settle it.

Hartley:

Districts are obligated under federal Title IX law to provide all students with a learning environment safe from sex discrimination and harassment. These suits are about holding Huron City Schools accountable for what it did, and what it didn’t do.

We have to remember that while insurance is paying for the lawyers on this case, the district is in control. The district calls the shots. Lawyers drawing things out for years benefits primarily one party: the lawyers. The district needs resolution on these issues before it can begin to rebuild trust with the community and with its students.

Hathaway:

I will first say that as a father of two young girls I am troubled by the allegations surrounding this issue. While I cannot comment on the specifics of these cases, the lawsuits are being handled by the legal system and board members are updated by the legal counsel working the case. I will comment that my concern with this matter goes back to the issue of open communication and transparency. As leaders in our school district, we should do a better job of informing the community, even when the news is unfavorable. Accountability is key. The school board and administration must ensure a safe environment for all students.

Hinners:

The District must take a hard look at whether its employees complied with Title IX – that means whether they investigated, took the appropriate disciplinary action and took the necessary actions to protect the reporting parties from retaliation after the fact. If the District finds that any employee fell short of his/her duties under Title IX, it should explore early resolution of both cases. No one expects the District to be perfect. When mistakes are made, leaders must acknowledge them, make the situation right and implement the necessary improvements to ensure future compliance.

Setting aside the lawsuits, the District must conduct an in-depth review of its policies, training and practices pertaining to Title IX. There’s no reason to delay that review. Let’s make sure our school leaders, teachers, staff, students and the community understand what Title IX means in terms of protecting students from discrimination, harassment, assault and retaliation. Let’s make sure that when a complaint is filed, all parties are treated fairly and have confidence that the school will investigate properly and respond appropriately based upon the evidence. Let’s make sure that outcomes are consistent and predictable – regardless of a party’s last name, sports participation, wealth, race, etc. Let’s make sure we’re doing the right thing the best possible way so that we can rebuild the community’s trust and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

King:

I think that the board and district are doing what they can at the present. I believe they will let the public know what they can, but in the middle of a lawsuit I wouldn’t think they would be expected or able to offer much info to the public.

Kurtz:

It’s important that going forward we put measures in place to ensure that something like this never happens again. We need to provide proper training to teachers and staff to promptly and correctly report any complaints. Complaints need to be investigated, and resolved appropriately with accordance to the law and code of conduct of the school.

Laffay:

The Title IX lawsuits have been devastating to our school and community. There are a lot of questions and feelings around them that have left us feeling as though we have been violated as a whole. Unfortunately the damage is done and there isn’t much for the incoming board to do but address these lingering emotions and concerns. Lawsuits are covered by insurance, so not affecting the budget as some community members have been led to believe, and in the hands of the lawyers. They will likely be ongoing for a couple of years. It makes sense to me to focus on productive areas where we can affect change and move forward, while being as transparent with the community as an active lawsuit will allow.