Lawmaker: Alaska student disciplined after she kneed boy in girls bathroom

(KTUU)
Published: Apr. 12, 2019 at 11:54 AM AKDT
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Controversy stirred following comments made by an Alaska state legislator, detailing an incident inside a high school bathroom between a girl and a group of boys that allegedly blocked her way.

Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-Fairbanks, told the story Friday during a House Majority press conference, after she said she spoke about it with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District superintendent.

"We had an incident last week to where some boys entered the girls' bathroom, and a girl kneed a boy, feeling threatened. They were blocking her way. And she was suspended from school, because she used too much force," Wilson said.

According to Wilson, the boys were in the bathroom due to "some kind of protest," but she believes it shouldn't matter.

"If you ever feel threatened, for your safety, whatever force you think you have to go give, I will stand by you and so will your community, and not for those boys who were where they didn't belong," Wilson said.

Due to the use of force, Wilson said the girl was suspended, and missed her prom, while the boys were allowed to attend.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District said in a statement that it cannot comment on any specific investigation or disciplinary action, but went on to say that the district's Title IX specialist has conducted an investigation.

The District also said multiple students faced disciplinary action.

"The district does not encourage students or staff to use force against students, staff, or visitors to school facilities. Students or staff who use force against another person on school grounds could be subject to disciplinary action, depending on the facts and circumstances of the incident," the statement said.

"She did the right thing, and we should be backing her, not having her sitting at home wondering whether she made the right decision or not," Wilson said.