NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk police are investigating after a report of unwanted physical contact between students was reported at Norfolk Collegiate School.
School Headmaster Scott Kennedy emailed home a letter to parents on Wednesday to notify them about the incident.
In the letter, Kennedy mentioned a case of unwanted physical contact may have been taken by one student toward another.
It’s serious enough to get Norfolk Police involved as well.
“We immediately contacted the authorities. We are mandated… to do that by law. We take these instances very seriously when they are alleged, so we contacted the authorities,” says Sara Steil, communications director for Norfolk Collegiate School.
Police are involved, and they were informed by the school when the headmaster found out on Monday that something had happened.
There were guards outside Norfolk Collegiate on Thursday.
“Pretty much it was unwanted physical contact, and we are required by law to report it, so whether it is child protective services or the police department, we have to to report it by law,” Steil said.
The school also has to report an alleged incident even before investigating it.
“Whether it is true or not, we have to immediately report the allegation,” Steil says.
In the email Mr. Kennedy says, “the matter involves two students here on the Granby Street campus. The student accused is no longer a member of the school community … The school is cooperating with Norfolk Police,” Kennedy wrote.
Steil says, “We are a very tight community, and to be honest,we are a family. We value our students’ safety, and it is a top priority for our faculty and staff. We want students to come to school safely, in a respectful environment, and that is what we are trying to do right now.”
It’s unclear how widespread the knowledge is of what may have happened.
10 On Your Side asked Steil if any students needed counseling.
“I can’t comment on that at this moment, but if a student needs help the school is always there to support them.”
Kennedy also writes, “These are the times that test the strength of a community. Rather than allow rumors and gossip to set the story, we wanted to communication with you directly. This is a sensitive topic involving our students, and we ask you to respect the families’ privacy during this time.”
