HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-12-08 Referral to Education and School MattersRecent local news highlighted incidents of on-line and in -person race -based harassment of a
student at the Middle School. In addition, the Watertown School Department recently hosted a
community -wide zoom meeting to discuss the issue of racism and racial -based bullying. At one
point, nearly 160 individuals participated in the zoom meeting. During this meeting, parents
spoke about incidents of racism experienced by their children and about students not feeling
safe at school. In addition, residents and parents wondered aloud what steps the district takes
when a student reports that she or he is a victim of a racist slur or act. Attendees also asked
how are students held accountable if they are the source of a racist act racial -based
harassment.
Watertown parents who have children in Watertown schools have approached me to ask what
the Town Council is doing about issues of racism in Watertown Public Schools.
Therefore, I would like to make a referral to the Committee on Education and School Matter to
discuss what the protocol is when a student reports racial -based harassment and how is a
student held accountable if she or he is responsible for the harassment. As well as well as what
steps the Watertown School District is taking to address racism and how can the Town Council
assist the District in their efforts.