State Talks Sexual Discrimination Against Hibbing High School

Department of Human Rights shared their findings in probable cause case.

In front of nearly 100 parents and members of the Hibbing community, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights shared their findings in issuing a probable cause determination against the Hibbing School District.

Emotions were strong, but under control as community member wanted to know more about what’s being done.

Questions ranged whether it was safe for their children to go to Hibbing High School to the overall process in what the Department of Human Rights found.

They found the district failed to respond to complaints from female students inappropriately subjected to questioning by a senior administrator about about serial abuse they suffered.

“People can get their thoughts and questions answered here and really just hear how step by step how the process worked and what it means for us going forward,” said Melissa Scaia, executive director of Advocates for Family Peace.

Some members of the community even went as far as to say they felt betrayed by the school board and district.

“For some of the victims, it’s been validated. For some of the victims it has been difficult. For community members. It’s been outrage,” said Scaia.

Many are also looking for an apology.

“They really need to acknowledge some things happened and make an apology of some sort,” said Scaia.

In a hurting community, they’re looking for healing and how to go forward.

“I hope out of this dialogue and conversation that we’ve created an environment framework for parents, teachers, the school administration to work together and make a safer, stronger environment for students at the Hibbing school district.

The Department of Human Rights also said this is a unique case because of the amount of students involved.