Fort Bend Independent School District is facing criticism from a mother who says the district delayed action after her first-grade son was allegedly sexually assaulted by fellow students at Rosa Parks Elementary School.
The mother, who requested anonymity to protect her child’s privacy, said the incident occurred on Sept. 28.
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She was first contacted by the school that day after her son’s teacher noticed he was “walking funny” and sent him to the nurse.
According to the mother, the son did not explain what happened initially. It was only after his grandmother visited that he revealed one student distracted him while another allegedly assaulted him with a stick.
The mother described challenges in seeking help from school officials.
When she requested a class change for her son, she said, “They told me that it was too full, they couldn’t do anything.”
She also said school staff threatened to call police if she recorded meetings about the incident.
After the alleged assault, the mother filed a report with Fort Bend ISD Police and took her son to the hospital, where the assault was confirmed. However, she said it took nearly a month before the district took significant action.
“It wasn’t until yesterday... the superintendent now knows so they put him in a new class,” she said. “But before that nothing happened. He was still in the same class still being around the kids.”
The mother said her son has been too traumatized to attend school for the past week and that she will only allow him to return if the district guarantees he won’t encounter his alleged attackers.
“Parents shouldn’t have to go and jump through hoops just to make sure that their child is safe,” she said.
Fort Bend ISD issued a statement acknowledging the incident and the investigation:
“Fort Bend ISD is aware of the alleged incident at Rosa Parks Elementary School. In keeping with the District’s commitment to maintain a safe and secure learning environment, a comprehensive investigation was promptly initiated in coordination with the Fort Bend ISD Police Department, the campus principal, the teacher and other campus staff, as well as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
“Throughout the investigation, all information was carefully reviewed, including statements from campus staff and the student, as well as available video footage. Based on the findings of all agencies involved, we are unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime has been committed.
“The District has remained in ongoing communication with the family and continues to provide appropriate support to those involved as we work toward closure on this matter.”