I was dismayed and extremely concerned when I recently learned of the lawsuit alleging that the administrators at our middle and high schools were negligent in their responsibilities to insure students are safe and unharassed while at school. I was a teacher at McMurray for 23 years and I can attest to the amount of time and effort put forward by Mr. Allison and the faculty at the school to educate our students about bullying. Since Mr. Allison’s arrival there have been almost weekly homeroom lessons that address what bullying is and how to report it to adults as well as how to help those being bullied or harassed. Students hear the same message during assemblies that include groups hired from off island to amplify the message that bullying is wrong, unacceptable and has consequences.

Before making a snap judgement about our school administrators who, in my experience, are thoughtful, hard working professionals trying to do their best to make our schools great places to get an education, I’d ask you to remember that even allegations can ruin their abilities to be effective at their jobs. At this time they need the support of all of us who know the culture at our schools, and who know how hard they have worked. Please let them know that they are innocent in your eyes until proven guilty.

— Geo Cheroke