3 PPS Immigrant Students File Harassment Claims

PITTSBURGH (KDKA)- Since the presidential elections, Pittsburgh Public Schools has faced the challenge of making sure all students feel safe and comfortable in school regardless of political views or ethnicity.

"The superintendent wanted to be proactive being that this was such a contentious election, and there were people with strong options on both sides," said Pittsburgh Public Schools Spokesperson Ebony Pugh.

So the district sent out a message, on a robocall to families last week to ensure students that there would be counsellors available to help any student feeling pressured or harassed since the election.

"This is Superintendent Hamlet. We believe that every student deserves to learn in a respectful, inclusive learning community that helps them feel safe and supported. The district will not condone speech nor actions that will divide our students or communities," the call said.

The concerns of the district may not have been unfounded. Right now the district is investigating allegations that two students who have English as their second language were harassed by classmates on a school bus. A third complaint has been lodged that a student was being threatened because the family voted for president elect Donald Trump.

"Talked to the schooled administration and reported that my child was being bullied because of who I vote for to the point where there was a threat of my child being shot on social media post," one man said.

"While I can't discuss any disciplinary action involving any student, any claim would be investigated and if it's found to be legitimate the side st could face disciplinary action," Pugh said.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter