Dear Supporters,

Thank you for being part of this fight for our children's safety and well-being. Your support for our petition has given us a powerful voice, and it is crucial that we keep you informed about what we're discovering as we continue to push for accountability.

We recently found a disturbing comment on the Nextdoor platform from a Terra Nova High School teacher. This individual, who also organizes annual international trips for up to 50 minor students, once stated, “Or empower your high school teenagers to talk to their board members. Parents need to teach their kids to advocate for themselves instead of doing it for their kids.”

This statement is not only insulting but also a profound example of the systemic negligence we are fighting against. Our children and parents did advocate for themselves. They spoke up, they made complaints, and they reported abuse. Their voices were allegedly ignored, and their cries for help were not answered. This quote demonstrates a culture that places the burden of safety on our children instead of on the adults entrusted to protect them.

This mentality is echoed from the highest levels of the district. We have a powerful example of this in Superintendent Toni Presta's recent statement to the media: "The Jefferson Union High School District does not tolerate sexual harassment or abuse in our schools. Failure to observe appropriate professional boundaries between students and staff is unacceptable, and policies and procedures are in place to investigate all reports. We look forward to setting the record straight should these cases proceed through the courts."

The community has every right to be outraged by this statement.  rightfully commented: "That quote is chillingly dark and completely tone-deaf. 'Setting the record straight' isn't a statement of empathy; it's a legalistic battle cry. It suggests that the students and parents are wrong, and that the district is only concerned with protecting its own reputation. It shows zero remorse and zero concern for the pain of the alleged victims. This single phrase confirms every fear the community has about the administration. Their first instinct is not to apologize or to take responsibility, but to lawyer up and prepare for a fight. It perfectly illustrates the alleged failure of leadership that has allowed this culture of silence to exist."

This is not a failure of student advocacy; it is a failure of leadership and a gross dereliction of their duty to protect our children. We will not be silenced, and we will not stop until the administration and district are held accountable.

We will continue to share updates as our efforts progress. Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely, Ethan Grill Petition Organizer