Parent upset at lack of resolution by school

I have two children in the Swanton school system. My son, a senior, has been a starting defensive player in football for Swanton since the fifth grade. He has earned his letter every year in high school.

This year, on two separate occasions, an assistant coach has struck him in the back, in a non-football type of manner, and repeatedly called him derogatory names. As a parent and former football coach, I find the actions inappropriate.

After the second time he was struck my son and I approached the head coach, regarding the incidents. The coach suggested reasons why one of his assistant might have done this, which I clearly would not accept. He suggested we part ways and walked away.

I then contacted the athletic director, informing him of the situation and providing names of witnesses to the incident. After 21 days I met with the athletic director and head coach. This time the head coach is now denying the incident happened. They said they had spoken to the assistant, who denied it. They said they are going to believe him before believing two 17-year-old students, explaining the assistant would not jeopardize his job or career like that.

These students, by the way, filled out sworn police statements.

I find the response from the school absurd. After 49 days there is still no resolution.

My other child is a girl. Now, if you had a daughter involved in high school sports, or other school-related activity, and something inappropriate happened to her, who would she run to for help? The message being sent is that the school does not believe in their students. How are students suppose to achieve?

Steve Holley

Swanton