Unclear procedures or bureaucratic hurdles should never delay the safety of students in our district. Recently, allegations were made against Joseph Hunter, an assistant principal at Renaissance High School, for sexual harassment involving a minor.

These allegations have not yet been adjudicated, and this petition does not presume guilt; it focuses on district response and student safety.

This situation highlights concerns about how the district manages reports of sexual misconduct and ensures protections for students, families, and staff.

In response, the district placed the administrator on paid leave as a precaution and issued a public statement encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The statement clarified that no concrete evidence of misconduct has yet been received.

While this step demonstrates responsiveness, there is limited public information on the measures in place to ensure student safety during the investigation or which officials are overseeing immediate protective actions.

Current District Policy (Policy 2266 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities):

Policy 2266 states that the district “shall promptly respond in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent” once it has actual knowledge of sexual harassment. It defines actual knowledge as notice to the Title IX Coordinator or “any District official who has authority to institute corrective measures.”

However, the policy has several shortcomings:

• There are no specified deadlines for completing investigations or taking action beyond general grievance timelines established in the policy.
• Employees accused of sexual harassment involving minors are not required to be placed on administrative leave during investigations, even though the policy states the district “may” place a non‑student employee on administrative leave.
• Policy 2266 does not clearly define which officials have immediate authority to take protective measures when an allegation is reported.
• While confidentiality is emphasized, the policy does not require the district to provide updates to students, parents, or staff about ongoing investigations.
• The overall length and procedural detail of the policy can slow reporting and response, making it harder for staff and those eligible to make a report to act quickly in urgent situations.

Proposed Changes:

To address these gaps and ensure the safety of all students, we propose the following revisions to Policy 2266:

1. Automatic administrative leave: Any employee accused of sexual harassment involving a minor is immediately placed on paid leave upon a credible report.

2. Credible report definition: Must include specific details (parties, conduct, timeframe) sufficient for a District official to assess plausibility and take protective measures. Anonymous reports may trigger an investigation, but not automatic leave.

3. Communication: Notify affected students, families, and staff within 48 hours; provide updates via a designated contact; issue public statements within 72 hours without revealing identities.

4. Investigation timelines:

   • Initial contact/supportive measures: within 2 business days
   • Preliminary credibility determination: within 72 hours
   • Preliminary evidence collection: within 7 business days
   • Full investigation and determination: within 60 calendar days (extensions only with documented justification
5. Student safety post-investigation: Students who remain unsafe may request schedule adjustments, which the District must reasonably grant.

Our goal is to create a district‑wide system in which every student is safe, investigations are conducted quickly and transparently, and adults responsible for student safety are held accountable. These changes to Policy 2266 will not only better protect students but also provide clarity and confidence for families and staff, ensuring that serious allegations are taken seriously and addressed promptly. 

We encourage all community members to attend the upcoming board meeting to support these changes and demand accountability:

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Renaissance High School
6565 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235

Your presence matters. By showing up, you help ensure student safety is a top priority and that the district implements strict, clear policies to prevent future harm. Bring friends, family, and concerned community members. Together we can make a difference.