The school’s response did little to ease the concerns of the affected students. While the perpetrator was reportedly suspended for a few days, he eventually returned to school, causing further distress among the female students. Mani voiced the collective sentiment, saying, “All the other girls agree with me, they don’t want him in this school. They are very scared.”
The School’s Reaction
The school principal issued an email addressing the matter, assuring the affected students that an investigation was underway.
The email stated, “At this time, we believe that any created images have been deleted and are not being circulated. This is a very serious incident. We are continuing to investigate and will inform individuals and families of students involved once the investigation is complete.”
To support the affected students, the school has made counseling available, and the Westfield Police Department has been engaged in the investigation.
In the same email, the principal also warned parents about the importance of discussing technology usage and responsible online behavior with their children. They emphasized that modern technology enables the manipulation of images, emphasizing the need for students to understand the potential harm and consequences of such actions.
Educational Response
CBS reported a statement from Westfield Superintendent Dr. Raymond González, who acknowledged the broader issue of technological challenges within school districts. He emphasized the importance of educating students about the responsible use of technology, coupled with clear guidelines to prevent its misuse.
