Community Matters at Sci High

December 6, 2021 | by information

Dear Sci High Families,

Let me start by saying that at Sci High, the safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance and we take any threat or harm to our community very seriously. We have recently been informed that some students are not feeling safe on campus due to reports of harassment. Please know that these reports are being investigated and the school continues to ensure that our educational environment remains safe.

Based on the nature of these reports, as a school that receives federal funding, we are required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html) and the Final Rule (2020) to respond when, specifically, sexual harassment occurs in the school's education program or activity. This response must include an investigation, issuance of a determination, and disciplinary consequences, as appropriate. To that end, please know that these reports are being fully investigated, giving all parties involved the due process they deserve and that federal guidance demands.

In the meantime, I have also been made aware of social media posts being made on an unofficial, non-school sanctioned social media account which are not well informed, are not accurate, and are perpetuating rumors and not facts. Students who continue to make inaccurate posts, or intentionally make false claims risk damaging the culture here at Sci High, and more importantly, risk participating in cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is also taken very seriously at Sci High, and students engaging in such activities will receive disciplinary consequences.

Again, the safety of our students and staff is paramount. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which harassment of any kind is not tolerated.

Respectfully,

Monique G. Cola, Ph.D.

Head of School

New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School