Presentation High School Announces New Committee, New Independent Position to Prevent Sexual Misconduct, Bullying

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Presentation High School today announced that it has appointed a committee to make recommendations on improving prevention of sexual misconduct against students. The prestigious all-girls school will also create an independent office to listen to students and report any complaints of misconduct, harassment or bullying to authorities.

"As a school dedicated to the empowerment of women and committed to social justice as a core part of our mission, the accusations from past alums are not reflective of who we are. We cannot erase the feelings or change the perceptions of some. But we can learn from the opinions expressed and move forward with even greater resolve," said Principal Mary Miller. "I am deeply sorry that any alum has ever felt unsafe as a result of any action by our faculty or administration."  

To that end, Miller said that the school has created an ad-hoc committee which is now meeting to review student and faculty policies to ensure Presentation continues to employ best practices in its education and empowerment of young women. Committee membership is diverse and includes current parents, alum parents, alumnae, and community members with broad expertise in the areas of law, psychology, human resources, education, social work, school counseling, and school administration.

Independent Office for Prevention to Start

The school said it will also create an independent Office for the Prevention of Student Bullying, Harassment and Abuse. The Office will report directly to the board of directors and will complement the four existing school counselors.

This office will be a key component in ensuring PHS is a campus free from sexual harassment, bullying and abuse.

"We are committed to being proactive, forward-thinking and the gold standard for student safety in the prevention of sexual misconduct, abuse, harassment and bullying. This Director will work closely with our skilled school counselors, who are also deeply committed to student safety. In the coming weeks we will be conducting a thorough search for this exceptional candidate," Miller said.

Miller added the school has "always put student safety as our top priority and we believe that we have done our best --as well as our current programs--to educate our students and to prevent and address any cases made known to us." 

"Make Pres Safe" Refuses Collaborative Meeting

The school reported that it has reached out to the attorney representing "Make Pres Safe," a group of alums critical of how the school handled past allegations of misconduct. 

"We have offered to meet and discuss their concerns and complaints in an open and safe environment with a neutral facilitator, but so far they have declined our invitation to find a resolution," said Miller. "It's unfortunate they are unwilling to meet and talk about our differences. While we do not accept their claims, both sides are in agreement in educating and preventing sexual misconduct and believe an open dialog would benefit all parties."

Miller noted that today's claims of past misconduct differ from what was originally reported. "We can only act on what we are told and when we are told it. Some of the claims being made today are anonymous, solely posted on social media, and were never reported in the past," Miller said, which makes the school question the accuracy of the claims on "Make Pres Safe" website and statements.

"Our offer to meet remains open and we hope they will meet us to effect real change through policy and discussion instead of social media posts," Miller added.

Claims Lead to Anonymous Hate Speech

The accusations posted by "Make Pres Safe" are dangerously misleading and have resulted in anonymous hate-filled emails, letters, and voicemails against the administration, faculty, and parent supporters of the school.  

The hate speech has been reported to police.

Respect for All

"It is difficult to imagine a woman in America today who is not upset about the ongoing reports of the sexual misconduct being reported by so many who have found themselves victims of inexcusable conduct. Be assured that we are equally appalled," Miller said. 

"We have been and we will continue to be a leading educator of young women, ensuring their personal and academic achievements are at the very highest level and providing a safe and protective environment at Presentation for their individual growth," Miller added.

Contact: Sam Singer
Phone: 415.227.9700
Cell: 415.336.4949
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Presentation High School