An Albuquerque mother is appealing the findings of an Albuquerque Public Schools investigation into allegations of student-on-student misconduct at Chaparral Elementary School. The investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate allegations that a student inappropriately touched other students over the course of the school year.

Investigation and Appeal

According to APS Equal Opportunity Services, Chaparral’s principal reported the allegations on March 25. The report stated that 10 students alleged another student touched them over their clothing. APS reviewed the student statements but concluded there was not enough evidence under the district’s standard to substantiate a policy violation.

Victoria Standley, the mother who received the APS findings letter, is now appealing the district’s decision. Standley’s son was the first to speak up, and other students came forward afterward. She is urging APS to reconsider how it evaluates children’s disclosures, especially in cases involving young students and student-on-student misconduct allegations.

Standley said, ‘If they feel safe and if we shut them down, they’re not going to feel safe anymore to speak up.’ She wants APS to use the case as an opportunity to improve how it responds when children report misconduct.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.