PHOENIX — A Valley mom is calling for action against bullying after her disabled son was recorded using the bathroom at Mountain Pointe High School.
Amanda Steele says school staff called her last Thursday to tell her about a Snapchat video showing her son, Jordan, in the bathroom. It was recorded by another student.
“And in this video, students are mocking my son for his disability, and there is also a video of my son urinating in the bathroom at the urinal,” said Steele.
She says Mountain Pointe took immediate action once they were notified by a couple of female students who saw the video making rounds on social media. Amanda says she has also filed a police report, but she adds there’s still a bigger issue: ongoing bullying.
“I want people to be aware that this is occurring and that is has occurred and that no human should be violated,” said Steele. “He’s defenseless. He can’t stand up for himself."
So Amanda and her family are asking administrators at a school meeting to come up with an awareness program for everyone on campus.
“I believe that we need sensitivity training for the students…I do believe that teachers need that same sensitivity training…so it would be wonderful to have the teachers trained as well,” said Steele.
Jennifer Liewer with the Tempe Union High School District says they can’t comment on specifics cases about student discipline, but says Mountain Pointe prides itself in being an inclusive school community and does not tolerate bullying in any form.