Student with Special Needs’ Privacy Violated, Mom Calls for Change
Incident and Aftermath
A Colonie Central High School student with special needs had his privacy violated when an explicit photo of him was shared on social media. The incident occurred two days prior, but the student never told his mother about it. She only found out when an assistant principal called her on September 25. The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the picture as "gut-wrenching" and said it was "sad" to see her son trying to cover himself up.
Investigation and Consequences
With the help of the school resource officer, the mother filed a police report and the police interviewed the child responsible. The South Colonie Central School District issued a statement, stating that the situation was addressed thoroughly, and all students involved were held accountable according to the school’s Code of Conduct. However, the mother is not satisfied with the outcome and believes that the school can do more to prevent similar incidents.
Mom’s Concerns and Solutions
The mother is calling for change, advocating for a private bathroom near the special needs classroom to prevent similar incidents. She also wants the school to better accommodate her son’s needs, particularly in terms of his education and independence. She expressed relief that her son is doing well in school and has a positive attitude, but she wants to ensure that the school takes additional measures to prevent future violations of privacy.
School’s Response and Policy
The school district confirmed that phones are allowed in school, but there are strict rules prohibiting the use of phones and cameras in restrooms. They also have a comprehensive policy addressing the misuse of electronic devices and hold assemblies on online safety and security. The district stated that the incident was addressed in alignment with their Code of Conduct, which includes disciplinary actions and restorative practices to help students understand the impact of their actions.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of protecting the privacy and well-being of students with special needs. The mother’s concerns and solutions offer a valuable perspective on the need for better accommodations and policies to ensure the safety and dignity of all students. As the school continues to address the incident, it is essential to prioritize the needs of students like the one in this story and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the incident?
A: An explicit picture of a Colonie Central High School student with special needs was shared on social media.
Q: How did the mother find out about the incident?
A: An assistant principal called her on September 25 to inform her about the incident.
Q: What did the school district say about the incident?
A: The district stated that the situation was addressed thoroughly, and all students involved were held accountable according to the school’s Code of Conduct.
Q: What is the mother calling for?
A: The mother is calling for change, advocating for a private bathroom near the special needs classroom and better accommodations for her son’s education and independence.
