Students, parents react to Red Bank High School incident
RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Controversy consumed Red Bank High School as parents and students protested most of the school day.
Hamilton County Schools says the system responded to an incident at Red Bank High on Tuesday.
Red Bank students protesting a recent incident in front of Red Bank High School.
Hamilton County Schools sent News 12 this statement:
“A student reported he was engaged by other students and touched inappropriately over his clothes. The student immediately reported the situation, and multiple steps were taken by school administrators.
The SRD on duty was contacted, as was the Red Bank Police Department. A police investigation was started, and the school filed a report with the Department of Children’s Services. A Title IX investigation is also underway. The school is providing supports to the student who filed the complaint.
As a result of initial investigations, three students received school discipline appropriate for the reported offense and are not at school.”
Students protesting in front of the school say they should have been told what happened sooner.
One student, Kylie Cagle said, “The school knows about it, and it happened three days ago, and it’s just now coming into light.”
Parents said they sense the anger coming from their children.
One such parent, Jessica Warren said, “She was so angry, she couldn’t calm herself. It was highly disturbing to see my daughter like that going on out of fear in her school.”
Warren claims her children have dealt with multiple issues at Red Bank Middle and High.
She said, “My child is currently inside the school, getting bullied for participating in this.”
Several of the student protestors also claim there is a history of incidents which contributes to a problematic school culture.
Student Erin Bishop said, “It’s just something that happens, and no one mentions it because the school is not going to do anything about it.”
The student protestors say this is still not enough.
Cagle said, “Red Bank is just, they only care about the paychecks and grades, but if something actually dangerous happens to you, they will not care.”
Bishop added, “I wouldn’t say that most people feel safe being in the bathrooms, especially more vulnerable populations.”
We are working to learn more about the status of these investigations.
The parents News 12 talked to say they’re planning to be more vocal towards the county school system moving forward.
