Introduction to a Disturbing Incident
A 7-year-old student at a Houston ISD elementary school, specifically Barbara Bush Elementary School, has been sexually assaulted by a fellow student in the school’s bathroom. The victim, a second-grader, is reportedly suffering after the incident. The child’s mother, who remains anonymous to protect her daughter’s identity, expressed her deep concern and disappointment in the school’s and district’s response to the situation.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The family reported the assaults two weeks ago, but they claim that the school and the district have failed to take appropriate action. The student accused of assaulting the victim has been allowed to remain in the same classroom, which has led to further harassment and taunting of the victim during recess. Additionally, the accused student has been crawling under tables and making unwanted physical contact with the victim during instructional time.
Failure of School and District to Respond
The mother of the victim stated that the principal has done his due diligence in reaching out to the district, but due to the severity of the situation, there is nothing he can do on his end. The family’s attorney, Kevin Murray, shared the same concerns over the handling of the situation. He mentioned that his client did everything she was supposed to do after understanding what happened to her daughter, including going to the principal, the district police department, and CPS to make reports, but nothing has happened.
Obstacles in Addressing the Situation
According to the attorney, when the girl’s mother asked for updates on what steps were being taken to address the alleged sexual assaults, the school stated that their "hands are tied" due to the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) current management of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). This has resulted in a lack of action and support for the victim and her family.
Emotional Toll on the Family
The victim’s mother expressed her disappointment and frustration, stating that she never imagined her child’s school would fail to provide support and safety during such a critical time. She considered the school a vital part of her support system, but now feels let down.
District’s Response
After a press conference, HISD reached out to KPRC 2, promising to provide a statement to offer more context on the district’s direction. However, as of Wednesday morning, no statement has been provided despite multiple attempts to contact the district.
Conclusion
The incident highlights a disturbing lack of action and support from the school and district in addressing the alleged sexual assaults. The family’s experience raises concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the Houston ISD and the need for prompt and effective responses to such incidents. The district’s failure to provide a statement or take concrete actions has only added to the family’s distress, emphasizing the need for accountability and change.
