Last academic year (2021-2022), The Tattler Editorial Board wrote an editorial about sexual harassment and assault at IHS. The issues mentioned then are still very much present, and many students are unsure about how ICSD addresses such violations. The Tattler spoke with Lily Talcott, Deputy Superintendent, about the procedures in place to support survivors of sexual assault and hold violators accountable.
When responding to a report of sexual assault or harassment, Talcott said her main policy is to ensure that the survivor is “in the driver’s seat.” A group of administrators works with Talcott to put in place a plan that will make the person reporting the sexual harassment/assault feel safe and comfortable at school. This can include counseling, regular check-ins, changing the schedule of the perpetrator, planning hallway routes to minimize contact between the survivor and violator, and more. ICSD also works with the Advocacy Center and local law enforcement to support survivors outside of school hours. However, Talcott made it clear that if a survivor doesn’t want to take their case to the police, that’s completely okay as well.
Talcott explained that due to New York State law, the administration can’t share consequences in place with survivors. She acknowledged how frustrating this can be, and how it can feel like nothing is being done. Although specifics of a case can’t be shared with anyone, Talcott says she can give a range of consequences to those who have reported sexual harassment to give them an idea of what may happen to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Currently, ICSD administrators like Talcott are focusing on sexual harassment and assault prevention. One of the ways they’re doing this is by working with elementary school kids and teaching them about consent, especially in digital spaces. The K-5 health curriculum is also being rewritten to focus on prevention, with the help of Ms. Jordan, one of the IHS health teachers. Teaching kids about consent from a young age is important, Talcott said, and it’s easier than trying to help people unlearn behaviors in the future.
There’s still so much to be done to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable at IHS, but it appears that the district does have some procedures in place, and is working to address the problem.