In a tense public comment period at the Lawrence school board meeting Monday, four students spoke out, asking for accountability for abusers and more protection for students and sexual assault survivors.
School board President Kelly Jones — at her last meeting in that capacity, as the board will elect new leadership in July — told the students she was glad to see them engaging with the school board, but asked them not to name names in their public comments.
The Times is not reporting the details of what is alleged to have occurred or documentation that we have received in order to protect the identities of all minors involved, but tensions rose after the Lawrence High School football team Instagram account aired a “Summer Showcase Draft Day 2021” live last week.
About 15 students showed up to the meeting with signs bearing messages such as “Safety over sports,” “End rape culture in USD 497,” “Your silence is deafening” and “Hold them accountable.”
Superintendent Anthony Lewis preempted the students’ comments by saying that “We are committed to providing all students, all staff, a safe, positive, and productive learning environment that’s free from discrimination and harassment. And that’s more than just words.”
“We also appreciate students, we appreciate parents, staff members that report to us safety concerns that have happened or that you hear about, because it’s that open communication that allows us to keep our school safe.”
Lewis said the district hasn’t swept safety concerns under the rug — “They are brought into light so that we can look into them and hopefully resolve them.”
Here are some of the students’ comments to the board:
• “It’s hard for survivors to speak out when the administration that is supposed to care for them and their well-being abandons them. And at the very least, this district needs to be held accountable and be transparent with their student body, because in the end, they’re only hurting people that they were elected to protect.”
• “When students ask questions and demand answers regarding incidents of assault and harassment, they demand answers. Victims have been silenced. They feel isolated and harmed. Victims should feel comfortable getting help, support and protection they deserve.”
• “Last fall, when a student at Lawrence High School sexually harassed another, an administrator belittled the students involved by telling them the issue should have been brought directly to administrators, rather than becoming public information and reported on social media. It is unacceptable to value the reputation of Lawrence High School and the district before the safety of students.”
• “It is easy for the board to make a statement, but it’s more important for you to take action. Things have been swept under the rug. Things have come to the board’s attention months ago, and little to nothing has been done. It’s not just one or two incidents.”
• “I can’t feel safe when there’s multiple people who abuse and who assault just walking through the hallways with no repercussions for their actions.”
Each student’s comment was met with applause from the crowd.
Jones said that as her duties as president were coming to an end, she would have more time to focus on policies and procedures and looking into how they support gender equality specifically.
“I think it’s quite brave to come and address the board in the way that you did, and we will, from that, develop some action steps to help support students at LHS and Free State,” Jones said. “That’s my commitment to you.”
Students aren’t sure yet how much impact their words will have.
“Although it’s unlikely that very much change will come out of it, raising awareness by challenging the school board is an important step towards holding the accused and the administration that protects them accountable and fostering a safe environment for victims of sexual assault,” said Clara Bode, a rising senior at LHS.
— August Rudisell, @KsScanner, contributed to this article.
Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact the CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Coordinator: Students can make an appointment by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found here.
- Direct message KU CARE Sisters on Instagram. You don’t need to be affiliated with Greek Life to reach out and/or receive assistance. (Note: CARE Sisters provide peer support and education, but this is not a 24/7 service like others listed here.)
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
Mackenzie Clark (she/her), reporter/founder of The Lawrence Times, can be reached at mclark (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
More coverage:
• June 28, 2021: Recap: Lawrence school board meeting, June 28
