We, the undersigned, are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of Teacher Natalie Haneline, and Principal Marc Charpentier, and the administration of Fair Grove Elementary regarding discriminatory actions toward both a student with documented medical needs and a school nurse who attempted to provide appropriate care.

Our primary concern centers on the mistreatment of a minor student who requires medical accommodations in order to safely participate in school activities and complete her education. Despite being informed of her medical condition and the necessary accommodations, school staff failed to act appropriately, showed a lack of empathy, and placed her health, dignity, and educational access at risk.

In addition, we are deeply concerned by the treatment of the students nurse who advocated for and cared for this student. The nurse was subjected to discriminatory behavior and unfair treatment based on her race after fulfilling her professional and ethical duty to provide medical care. This is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about workplace discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile environment within the school.

Students with medical needs are protected under federal and state laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Likewise, employees are protected under civil rights and employment discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race. These protections exist to ensure that no student or staff member is excluded, punished, or treated unfairly due to a medical condition, disability, or race.

The actions (or lack of action) taken by staff at Fair Grove have caused unnecessary emotional distress to both the student and her family and have raised serious concerns about whether proper policies, training, and accountability are in place at this school.

We respectfully demand the following:

A formal investigation into the conduct of the teacher, principal, and any staff involved.
Immediate corrective action to ensure the student receives appropriate medical accommodations.
An independent review of the discriminatory treatment of the nurse and any retaliatory actions taken against her.
Mandatory training for all staff on disability rights, medical accommodations, and racial equity.
Written assurance that no retaliation will occur against the student, her family, or the nurse.
Transparent communication with the family and the nurse regarding the outcome of the investigation.
Policy review and reform to prevent future discrimination against students with medical needs or staff members of color.
Every child deserves a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Every staff member deserves to work in a setting free from racism and retaliation. We urge the school district to take this matter seriously and uphold the rights and dignity of both students and employees.