Dozens of students and community members held a rally outside Coppell High School Wednesday to express their support for a special needs student who was reportedly victimized in a school bathroom last week.
Many of them held signs that read, "Only Love Strengthens All of Us."
"I'm super happy with the turnout," said Petyon Wallace, a Coppell High School student who attended the rally with her parents. "My brother is autistic -- and he's in eighth grade right now, so he'll be going here next year. That's why when I first heard this, I was heartbroken."
The incident first came to light over the weekend, when a social media post went viral claiming the student had been sexually assaulted and embarrassed by a group of students.
Coppell ISD said when high school administrators were made aware of the allegations, they immediately got police involved.
Tuesday, Coppell police announced that, based on their investigation, the incident "did not meet the criteria for criminal charges."
Those at the rally said they were disappointed in the police department's decision.
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"It makes me really mad and angry that they can't do anything," said Wallace. "That nothing is being done is just appalling to me."
Despite their frustration, the rally remained upbeat. Student organizers said the purpose of the event was to show their love and support for their classmate and his family.
Both the victim and his mother, Dora Chavez, attended the rally, hugging each person who came.
During the event, Chavez spoke to the media. She did not want to discuss the incident, choosing instead to focus on the people who've supported her and her family.
"The only thing I want to do right now is thank all the friends, all the families, all the students who are helping us in this difficult time," said Chavez. "I just hope that [my son] can recover soon and we can just move forward with our lives. I don't want this to happen to anyone else. We need to protect our kids."
When asked if the school would take any disciplinary actions against the students involved in the bathroom incident, a spokesperson for Coppell ISD said privacy laws bar them publicly discussing specifics -- but that the district is following all laws, regulations, guidelines and policies that apply in these cases.
They released a lengthy statement that reads in part:
"The administration has worked diligently over the holiday weekend with the Coppell Police Department to investigate and ensure all District resources have been made available to assist in the immediate resolution of the allegations and protection of any alleged victim(s).
I want to assure you that the District takes any and all allegations of sexual assault seriously. In any campus incident involving CISD students, the administration is guided by multiple factors including, but not limited to, directives from law enforcement, School Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct when conducting an investigation, administering appropriate student discipline and taking any interim and/or remedial measures to protect victims that may be required.
Coppell ISD's number one priority is to create a safe learning environment for all students.
As a District, we will continue to work tirelessly to meet the needs of all of our students."
Many of the victim's supporters have urged the district not to allow the alleged perpetrators to walk the stage during Coppell High School's upcoming graduation ceremony.
In their statement, Coppell ISD highlighted a district-wide policy regarding students who are assigned to their Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, noting that they are not allowed to attend or participate in graduation activities.
"Walking across the stage at Coppell High School's graduation is both exciting and memorable, but participation in the ceremony is a privilege, not a protected right," the district said.
