Parent tells board school response to harassment left child with ASD unfairly disciplined

A parent spoke during public comment Aug. 12 to report what they described as repeated harassment of their son, a North Farmington student with autism spectrum disorder, and to question the school’s handling of the resulting discipline.

The parent said the student was repeatedly taunted, citing an instance in which another student allegedly told their son “you are an AI” and “you are not Catholic,” language the parent called targeted religious discrimination and mental abuse. The parent said school staff documented the incident but later disciplined their son after he reacted, and that the investigation record, as presented to the parent, showed corrective actions only for their child.

The parent also said a resource teacher who witnessed or relayed details of the incident told the parent who initiated the conflict, but that the formal investigation did not reflect that information or show remedial steps for the other student. The parent said the school issued a “stay away” agreement and changed the child’s routine, which they said can be harmful for a student with ASD.

The parent asked the board to review how the district’s anti‑bullying and discipline policies were applied in this case and to consider whether gaps exist in investigations and accountability procedures. The board acknowledged the comment and closed the public‑comment period; no formal board action or investigation outcome was recorded during the meeting.

The remarks were made during public comment and reflect the parent’s account; the district has not provided a response or a corrective‑action plan on the public record at the Aug. 12 meeting.