The Hockinson School District is investigating an incident from last week’s middle school open house during which a parent allegedly made discriminatory remarks while confronting a school employee.
The incident occurred Sept. 2 at a back-to-school parent night at Hockinson Middle School, according to the district. Superintendent Steve Marshall said the district is still trying to verify through witnesses what occurred during an exchange between a parent and teacher at the school.
“Our team is conducting an investigation into the incident. We’re interviewing staff, parents and students to gain a better understanding about what occurred and are prepared to take formal action pending the outcome of the investigation. Hate or bias of any kind will not be tolerated,” Marshall said.
Marshall also acknowledged the incident in a letter to Hockinson families Saturday.
“It is important that our community knows that the HSD is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for our staff, students and families,” the superintendent wrote. He also included the district’s nondiscriminatory notice in the letter.
In a statement, school board chair Greg Gospe said that while the investigation continues, “let it suffice to say that the Hockinson School District Board of Directors condemns all manifestations of hate speech and/or harassment. Any discriminatory remark or action directed at our employees, students or community members at any of our campuses or events is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We stand in full support of any member of the HSD community who is subjected to discriminatory conduct.”
