October 31, 2009
Thornwood High School
Mrs. Darcelle Williams, Principal
17101 South Park Avenue
South Holland, Illinois 60473
Re: Battery, Harassment, and Intimidation of a Thornwood High School Student
Mrs. Williams:
We met on October 30, 2009 discussing various issues concerning my grandson. The academic issues of the Power School computer program and responsibilities of staff and student are still pending in my mind, but may get better as we go forth. I still have concerns about the posting of grades on Power School in a manner that does not reflect the actual work performed and evaluated. Yet, the reason for this writing has a more serious concern.
As we discussed, on or about October 26, 2009 my grandson was attacked, harassed, and intimidated in front of witnesses by 2 students at Thornwood High School. I gave you a witness’ name. I reported this attack to my grandson’s Dean, Mr. Rufus Taylor. I have contacted South Holland Police Department (SHPD) liaison person at Thornwood High School, Detective Sean Staples by email, and his SHPD phone leaving a message about this attack. You informed me that you would talk to your Dean about this allegation. I informed you, Mr. Taylor, and Detective Staples (by voice mail) that I want to file a criminal battery petition against both students who attacked my grandson.
I informed you, and the others mentioned, that this was the 3rd time that one of the students’ named was involved with harassing and intimidating my grandson. I reported each incident, once to the Head Football Coach, and the second incident to Dean Gonzalez. This is the first time that I am aware of that this “one” student putting his hands on my grandson. This battery, harassment, and intimidation must stop and will stop, right now.
On October 30, 2009 I called SHPD to find out how the process worked to file this criminal battery petition against a student (minor). I was informed that I should talk to Detective Staples. I was transferred to his voice mail. I left a message. I did not get an answer. On October 31, 2009 I called SHPD requesting to file this petition again. SHPD sent an officer to my home. I explained the situation. The SHPD officer stated that he would put a “note” on Detective Staples’ door requesting he contact me about filing a criminal battery petition against the student who attacked my grandson. I expect to file this petition soon. (The names of the students were left out because they are minors) We know the names of the students involved.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Fred Nance Jr.
cc: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
Update: November 2, 2009
When my grandson came in from school today, I asked him if he saw the perpetrators of this violence still in school. My grandson said he saw one of them today at school. This means nothing has happened to the students who committed battery against my grandson, and who intimdated and threatened him.
Principal Darcelle Williams of Thornwood High School seems to be cooperating with the processes of getting the information from her Dean, Rufus Taylor, on the investigation of this issue. Ms. Williams sent me an email stating she had talked to the Dean as promised, and the Dean was supposed to call me today with his results according to her email. Dean Rufus Taylor did not call.
Ms. Williams also suggested I call South Holland Police Department Liasion person, Detective Sean Staples requesting a conversation with him. I have called Detective Staples many times, and left messages on his voice mail. I even called the South Holland Police Department on Saturday, October 31, 2009 about this issue. They sent a uniformed officer out to my home. This officer said he would leave a message for Detective Staples to contact me. Detective Staples has not contacted me.
I sent Ms. Williams a reply email today telling her I had not heard from either Dean Rufus Taylor or Detective Sean Staples, and that I had posted my letter to her on the Internet. She replied back stating she would look into the lack of response to me by these individuals.
Update: November 3, 2009
This letter was delivered and mailed to the respective people listed in it, such as the South Holland Police Department Chief of Police, Mr. Arne Duncan, Mr.Eric Holder, Ms. Darcelle Williams; and emailed to the Honorable Juvenile Supervising Judge Michael Stuttley.
November 3, 2009
South Holland Police Department
Mr. Warren Millsaps, Chief of Police
16220 Wausau Avenue
South Holland, Illinois 60473
708-331-3151
Re: School and Student Violence in America
On or about October 26, 2009 my grandson was attacked, harassed, and intimidated in front of witnesses by 2 students at Thornwood High School (Thornwood). I gave a witness’ name. I reported this attack to my grandson’s Dean, Mr. Rufus Taylor. I contacted the South Holland Police Department (SHPD) liaison person at Thornwood, Detective Sean Staples by email, and his SHPD phone leaving a message about this attack. I talked to the Principal of Thornwood, Ms. Darcelle Williams. She informed me that she would talk to Dean Taylor about this allegation. I informed Ms. Williams, that I told Mr. Taylor, and Detective Staples (by voice mail) that I want to file a criminal battery petition against both students who attacked my grandson.
Ms. Williams sent me an email informing me that she did talk to Dean Taylor, as she said she would. Ms. Williams said I could expect a call from him on Monday, November 2, 2009, telling me of his findings as of the result of his investigation. Dean Taylor never called. Ms. Williams states that Dean Taylor did tell her that he spoke to the witness. Ms. Williams said Dean Taylor said he is pursuing every lead to get to the bottom of the incident. Ms. Williams suggested I contact Detective Staples so that he will be aware of my intentions. I contacted Detective Staples, but he has failed to return my calls or answer my email to him.
During our meeting of October 30, 2009, I informed Ms. Williams that this was the 3rd time that one of the students’ named was involved with harassing and intimidating my grandson. I reported each incident, once to the Head Football Coach of Thornwood, and the second incident to Dean Gonzalez. The student who harassed and intimidated my grandson in the two (2) earlier events is on the football team. Dean Gonzalez was my grandson’s Dean before he switched to Dean Taylor. This battery, harassment, and intimidation must stop and will stop, right now.
On October 30, 2009 I called SHPD to find out how the process worked to file this criminal battery petition against a student (minor). I was informed that I should talk to Detective Staples. I was transferred to his voice mail. I left a message. I did not get an answer. On October 31, 2009 I called SHPD requesting to file this petition again. SHPD sent an officer to my home. I explained the situation. The SHPD officer stated that he would put a “note” on Detective Staples’ door requesting he contact me about filing a criminal battery petition against the student who attacked my grandson.
I needed to formally write a letter so that my intentions will be clear as to the action I am taking about students at Thornwood putting their hands on my grandson in an aggressive and egregious manner. This was a violent, forceful, and malicious act perpetrated against my grandson, in front of other students. On November 2, 2009 my grandson told me that he was told to put the attack in writing to Mr. Taylor. When my grandson told me he put in writing that he became "teary" eyed and ran out of the gym after the 2 students dropped him to the floor in front of students watching, I became enraged and livid at your system of security and nonchalant manner in which I am being responded too.
On November 2, 2009 I went to SHPD requesting this copy. I was told by the officer on duty at approximately 5:15 pm that I could not get a copy of it until I saw a Sergeant. This officer told me that the SHPD had changed their procedures in the last few weeks where a person can only get a copy of a “service call” from a Sergeant because the person is not privy to all the information on the “service call” sheet. On November 3, 2009 I went to SHPD requesting a “service call” copy of the SHPD visit to my home on Saturday, October 31, 2009.
On November 2, 2009 when my grandson came home from school I asked him if he saw the perpetrators of this violence against him in school. My grandson told me he saw one of them still in school. This means nothing has happened to these students. I have not been contacted, and given any results to my request to file a petition against these perpetrators.
I informed Ms. Williams that there was gang activity at Thornwood. Ms. Williams emphatically stated there was no gang activity at Thornwood. Ms. Williams said that just because I reported I saw some student throwing gang signs, does not mean there is gang activity at Thornwood. I talked to Ms. Williams about one of the elements that may be responsible for Thornwood being classified as a “failing” school. Ms. Williams began telling me the story of about Thornwood’s pursuit toward excellence, and the percentage of students that graduate from Thornwood. Ms. Williams said that the students I am talking about are a small percentage of students.
Does this small percentage matter? Cancer does not reach its maximum potential for death, but rather, is an incremental, slow process. Gang activity must be curtailed at all cost. It will infect a population. I am developing a relationship with the Secretary of Education and U.S. Attorney General to write an essay on “School and Student Violence in America.” I have a personal story.
Respectfully submitted
Fred Nance Jr., Ph.D.
cc:
Honorable Judge Michael Stuttley, Supervising Juvenile Judge
Cook County State’s Attorney
Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education
Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General
Ms. Darcelle Williams, Principal Thornwood High School
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
Update: November 3, 2009
On November 3, 2009 at approximately 9:15 am (cst) I talked to South Holland Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Stegenga, giving him a copy of the letter above. I informed Deputy Chief Stegenga that I wanted to file a criminal petition for battery against the students who attacked my grandson. Deputy Chief Stegenga told me he would have Detective Sean Staples get in tough with me. Deputy Chief Stegenga told me that a statement would have to be taken from my grandson in this matter because it cannot come from a "3rd" party. Deputy Chief Stegenga gave me a copy of the supplemental narrative from October 31, 2009, which states "...kid putting hands on his grandson last Monday...son is being harassed at school-advised of options for resolving conflict thru SRO when school is back in session...." It is 11:39 am (cst), and I still have not received a call from South Holland Police Department's Detective Sean Staples on this matter. I still have not heard from Thornwood High School's Dean, Rufus Taylor.
Update: November 3, 2009
Deputy Chief Stegenga told me to bring my grandson to the South Holland Police Department (SHPD) so that he can give a "personal" report on the battery, harassment, and intimidation that happened at Thornwood High School. My grandson and I arrived at SHPD at approximately 4:40 pm. We left at 5:10 pm, after wasting our time.
I informed the administrative assistant that Deputy Chief Stegenga told me to bring my grandson in for a statement. The administrative assistant acted like she had prior knowledge of my request. She told me to have a seat, and that she would get someone to take my grandson's statement. SHPD police officers Leyden and Kremski entered the station, and escorted my grandson and I to a room where I thought we would give a statement. I was wrong. It turned into an inquistion against my grandson.
I explained to Officers Leyden and Kremski that their Deputy Chief Stenenga told me to bring my grandson to the station so that he can give a "personal" account of the offense. Officers Leyden and Kremski refused to take my grandson's statement stating that Detective Sean Staples may have taken it already. Officer Kremski stated that if I was not the legal guardian, they could not take a statement from my grandson. Officer Kremski began diminishing my grandson's allegations right in his face, coming up with a variety of scenarios to why my grandson's case may be deemed unworthy, such as there being "too" many other high priority cases in the Illinois Cook County courts. I informed Officers Leyden and Kremski that I would write about this experience, and post it on the Internet. Officer Kremski started talking about how I could be sued by the people I am reporting now. I informed him that I have a
1st Amendment right to freedom of speech.
I informed Officers Leyden and Kremski that my grandson told me that one of the perpetrators told his friend that my grandson got the whole football team in trouble with his allegations. The perpetrators are still loose in Thornwood High School!!!
Nothing happened to them. This is why the continued harassment and intimidation of my grandson exist. This is the reason why you have violence in our schools. The police departments in the Chicago area aid and assist crime in the public schools. Officer Kremski attempted to "scare" me away from this issue. Deputy Chief Stegenga told me that Detective Sean Staples would call me earlier today. Detective Sean Staples has not contacted me.
Update: November 4, 2009
I sent this email message to the Superintendent of Schools for Thornton Township High School District 205, Dr. J. Kamala Buckner. Ms. Buckner is aware of my grandson's dilemma. I have emailed her many times about the progress reported above.
Dr. Buckner: You need to know how I am addressing this issue with my grandson. Since delivering this letter, I have gone to the South Holland Police Department following the orders of a Deputy Chief attempting to file a complaint against the student who perpetrated the violence against my grandson. The South Holland Police Department has refused my request.
My grandson came home today telling me he saw the student who attacked him in school. Nothing happened to this student. My grandson told me that he overheard this student telling another student that my grandson got the whole football team in trouble. My grandson told me yesterday that he saw the other perpetrator in school. Evidently, nothing happened to him either. What are the elements that make up a failing school? What do you think this "non-action" will lead too? This is how student violence in schools is developed.
I posted a detailed account of these events on the Internet. I told the officers at the South Holland Police Department that I would post this on my blog. Do you think they cared? They did not care. They just laughed, as usual. I guess I am okay with the public knowing that there is student violence being perpetrated at Thornwood High School without any consequences. No one has contacted me with any information. If I am wrong, it is because your "staff" refuses to give me or my grandson's mother any information on this attack.
I will be sure to put this in my essay. I am attempting to collaborate with the U.S. Attorney General's office and Arne Duncan's office on Student Violence in America. This is my creation before this incident. Now, I have a personal story to add to it.
Update: November 4, 2009
My grandson came home from school today to inform me, for the first time, Officer Sean Staples talked to him about the attack on his person by 2 students of Thornwood High School. My grandson told me that he was called out of his last period classroom to go to Detective Sean Staples office. My grandson reports that when he arrived at Detective Staples office the following individuals were present: his P.E. teacher Ms. Kristi Drozky was there when arrived. Dean Rufus Taylor, the 1st perpetrator who attacked him, another male student who witnessed the attack, and Dean Jose Gonzalez came after my grandson arrived.
My grandson reports that Detective Staples asked him what happened. My grandson reports he told Detective Staples that he was reading a book in the gym; that when he finished reading he started talking to the female student who he identified and named as a witness to the event; that the perpetrator in the room with him grabbed him from behind, by his wrist, pulling his arms up behind him up in the air; that the perpetrator in the room who grabbed him called to another student to go get the 2nd perpetrator; the second perpetrator came into the gym; the 1st perpetrator told the 2nd perpetrator to grab his legs; that the perpetrators lifted him up in the air; that the 2nd perpetrator stated that they were going to take my grandson down to the boys locker room; that my grandson started screaming telling them to let him go; that the perpetrators decided to let him go, dropping him to the ground; that he got up from the floor, went out the door of the gym to get some fresh air; and that the female witness followed him outside asking him if he was okay.
My grandson reports that Detective Staples asked the 1st perpetrator what happened. My grandson reports that the 1st perpetrator stated that he was just playing, and that they always play like that with students. My grandson reports that Detective Staples asked the other student called in his office, who was not a part of the attack upon my grandson, what happened. My grandson reports that the other student told Detective Staples they were just being playful with him. My grandson reports that Detective Staples asked my grandson if he thought they were being playful or did he think they were serious. My grandson reports that he told Detective Staples that he believed the perpetrators were serious.
My grandson reports that Detective Staples asked him if the perpetrators attempted to apologize to him. My grandson reported to Detective Staples that the 2nd perpetrator apologized but that he did not accept it because he was still upset. My grandson reports that Detective Staples asked my grandson if the 1st perpetrator apologized. My grandson reports that he told Detective Staples the 1st perpetrator did not apologize. My grandson reports that Detective Staples stated that he believed they were done here. My grandson reports that Detective Staples told Dean Taylor to give him a pass back to class. My grandson reports that as he was leaving he heard Detective Staples tell the 1st perpetrator that he was giving him a consequence. My grandson reports that the 1st perpetrator said to Detective Staples "I get a consequence but he don't get a consequence.
My grandson reports he was called down to this meeting in the middle of his last class for the day. My grandson reports that after going to his locker, he saw the other student who attended the "inquisition" held by Detective Staples in the school hallway. My grandson reports the other student told him that he and 1st perpetrator got a 10-day suspension.
If this last statement by my grandson is true, why would the student who was questioned by Detective Staples, who had nothing to do with the attack upon my grandson, get a 10-day suspension? I got this information from my grandson because Detective Staples refused to involve me or my grandson's mother in the process. Thornwood High School did not inform me or my grandson's mother that they were going to interview my grandson about this incident. Thornwood High School has not informed me or my grandson's mother of the outcome of this interview with my grandson and the perpetrators. I will write more about this issue.
Update: November 9, 2009
I had to go to the school to get an answer about the results of the battey, harassment, and intimidation investigation of Rufus Taylor and South Holland Police Department's Sean Staples. Neither person contacted me. I talked to Mr. Taylor when I visited him today. He told me there were consequences but I was not privy to the consequences because of confidentiality. This is the mark of a failing school
Of course, I saw students with their pants hanging down off their waist, almost at their knees. One of these students visited Mr. Taylor with his mother. Neither of them said anything to the student. This is the mark of a failing school.
Update: December 4, 2009
I sent this response by email to Dr. Buckner, Superintendent of Illinois School District 205, regarding Thornwood High School's Disciplinary Code and my grandson's 3-day suspension.
Dr. Buckner:
I want to apologize for the previous email this morning to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Gaffney, Ms. Williams, and yourself. It was a bit aggressive, but the aggressiveness comes from the appearance of displinary deficiencies within Illinois School District 205. After talking with Mr. Taylor, I believe he and Mr. Gaffney had Deondre's best interest in mind as Mr. Taylor applied the penalty of discipline for Deondre's school infraction. This may not be the case for other discipline given in Illinois School District 205.
What I believe is the "bigger" problem with the disciplinary code of Illinois School District 205 is the lack of a "uniform" code of discipline for District 205. It appears there is no uniform code of discipline for any school infraction in District 205. Yes, you have a list of negative behaviors that a student can be disciplined for, but the "degree" of discipline is left to the discretion of a human. With human behavior being the way it is, autonomy can never be given to it. There must be something in place to deter nepotism, retaliation, and aggressive discriminatory acts, which would create a hostile work and educational environment.
I think this is important. There are many things I could discuss with this topic, but what comes to mind that may be most important is that we demonstrate a lack of concern for litigation. We live in a litigious society. People sue for any and everything. With our economy being the way it is and budgets being strained to the limits along with the taxes that are incurred to operate the school, Illinois School District 205 must first think about its budget and the taxes that stimulate this budget, and second, be proactive in its deterence of negative school behaviors and the appearance of discriminatory disciplinary actions resulting from it.
Presently, Illinois School District 205 can be a prime target for discriminatory practices in their disciplinary code, leading to litigation. This does not mean that the litigant will win the case. What it suggests is the monetary cost to Illinois School District 205's involvement in litigation. Why keep this door open, when it can be so easily closed. Give parents, students, and school officials a list of negative behaviors and/or infractions, levels of discipline for the negative behaviors and/or infractions that has the appearance of fairness, and avenues for negotiation. You have many examples to extract your model, such as the Illinois Compiled Statutes, etc.
If you do not adopt something that demonstrates a "fairness" doctrine, chaos and litigation will result.
