Female Wakefield Students Found School Response 'Appalling'

WAKEFIELD, MA — A School Committee that asserted the administration has appropriately responded to the social media scandal that has engulfed the community heard Tuesday from victims saying they were disappointed in the district's response.

A statement read by Nancy Buckley on behalf of 14 female students said district leaders suggested the girls should "be more aware" of their surroundings and reconcile with the student accused of posting inappropriate photos of them online.

"Not only did we find these comments appalling and disrespectful but it also showed us a lack of understanding by school officials at the depth of trauma and mental distress this has caused us," an emotional Buckley said reading the statement. "It also caused us a lack of confidence that school officials would protect us and keep us all safe."

The students, as well as parents being represented by another woman reading a statement, demanded more information from the investigation be released soon and expressed dismay that it took a media firestorm to bring the issue to light.

"After repeated cries to the school officials of what would make us feel safe and comfortable that went ignored we were forced to bring our message to the community which resulted in extensive media coverage," the students' letter said.

Superintendent Doug Lyon used his very brief comments on the issue to assure more information would be coming in the next few weeks.

School Committee Chair Susan Veilleux defended the district's actions, insisting it has been as transparent as legally possible, while acknowledging there is work to be done.

"Above all, the community should know the School Committee are deeply committed — deeply committed — to maintaining a learning environment where all students feel mentally and physically safe, welcomed and supported," she said.

Veilleux then fought back tears.

"Everyone around this table is a mother, a father or an uncle," she said, voice quivering. "What has happened is unacceptable and these behaviors cannot be tolerated. Supporting all students and making sure they feel safe is incredibly important to every one of us. I say that and also look all of you in the eye to say that we've got to keep doing work, we've got more to do.

"We've heard you and we will respond," she said. "Unfortunately it's hard to respond kind of in the moment."

The district has endured multiple days of protests and media scrutiny about how it handled accusations that a male student posted hundreds of "upskirt" and other inappropriate photos of female classmates online. Students said some photos could be ranked and others had price tags associated.

Parents told Boston 25 they were furious they were not told about the boy's punishment or how the district planned on keeping the girls safe. The boy had been set to return from a monthlong suspension this week, NBC Boston reported.

You can see the full School Committee video on WCAT here.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Wakefield Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.