Westonka 'Harlem Shake' Investigation Finds Students Acted Outside of Permission Boundaries

From the Westonka School Board:

The investigation into the Harlem Shake incident that occurred on Friday, Febr. 22, 2013, has concluded. Sixteen sets of parents were contacted to request that they and their children participate in the investigation.

The investigator interviewed six parents, eight students and 11 employees as part of the investigation. Other students, parents and members of the community submitted written statements to the investigator. The investigation resulted in approximately 179 pages of findings, conclusions, interview summaries and supporting documents.  

Due to laws centered on what information can be shared, the Westonka School Board is limited in what we can say and what we can release. Data privacy is set by state statute, not board policy. We are confident that the investigation was thorough, complete, unbiased and professional. The investigator does not represent district employees, students or parents. Rather, the firm that the investigator works for represents the school board.

Related posts:

• Wayzata High School Trojans Do Harlem Shake
• Westonka Activities Director Resigns in Wake of 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions
• National Coalition Against Censorship to Westonka: 'Don’t Shake Down Kids Over Harlem Shake'
• Westonka Superintendent Pens Letter to Community Regarding Harlem Shake Suspensions

The investigator made findings of fact. It is up to the board to decide what steps are appropriate based on those findings. The school board is elected by the public, and that is who we represent and are responsible to.   

The investigation report concluded that:  

• Although permission was given to film a Harlem Shake video, the actions of the students in the video that was filmed in the cafeteria were outside the scope of the permission given.

• No permission was given to stand on tables, to push and shove one another, to jump on one another, or to engage in similar physical behavior.

• Each student had an opportunity to tell their version of the facts.

We have reviewed the report, including the interviews, supporting documents and video evidence. We understand and acknowledge that people, including board members, can and do disagree about the appropriate consequences and whether the punishment handed down fit the actions of the students. However, disciplinary consequences are within administrators’ discretion to impose so long as they are consistent with district policy.    

That being said, we must ask whether the outcome is what we would have hoped for as a learning institution committed to serving the families of our district. We firmly believe that, as such, we are dedicated to finding a balance between order, safety and fairness to all students with a discipline philosophy that delivers an appropriate consequence without stifling the very spirit we are trying to cultivate.    

It is in this light that we hereby remand to the superintendent and the following committees of this board these realignment directives:

• Superintendent and Policy Committee – In cases of potential suspension where no immediate safety issues are a concern, board policy and/or procedures shall state that administrators will have the discretion to take at least two school days from the date of an incident of alleged misconduct to conduct an investigation before making a decision on whether to discipline a student. In discipline situations where multiple students are involved and there are no immediate safety concerns, investigations will be completed before any punishment is determined.

• Superintendent and Policy Committee – Review and clarify policy regarding the communication process and consequences for violations as they relate to all co-curricular activities where the Minnesota State High School League (“MSHSL”) rules do not supersede district policy.         

• Superintendent and Ad Hoc Incident Committee – Clearly define the relationship between the police, the student body and school administration. Specifically, clearly define the role and parameters of the School Resource Officer in our schools. Analyze options in the event the School Resource Officer position does not provide adequate flexibility in achieving the stated mission.

• Superintendent – To continue implementing recommendations of the Activities Department Steering Committee and to monitor and report to the board where additional changes are needed.   

All committees are to report back to the Board prior to the start of classes next fall.  

From Westonka Superintendent Kevin Borg:

At the Feb. 25 Westonka School Board meeting, an outside investigation into the Mound Westonka High School lunchroom incident was announced and a board investigation committee was formed.

By function and definition, the school board is an independent body charged with overseeing the affairs of the district. As elected officials, they represent the community at-large. The board listens to community opinions on issues and initiatives, and they are the body that charts the direction that guides our district.

(Above) is the full statement that was prepared by the board investigation committee and presented at last night’s board meeting.

While this concludes the investigation, we all realize it will take time before trust and confidence can be fully restored. It’s going to be difficult for some to start thinking about moving forward when feelings of hurt and frustration remain.

Our focus should now, though, be on preventing future incidents from eroding the constructive, collaborative efforts that benefit our schools and—most importantly—our kids.

The first necessary step to move forward is for me, as the superintendent and the leader of the Westonka School District, to apologize once again for the stress and pain caused by this incident. We must continue to make improvements in order to provide the best possible educational environment for our students. I have listened to many stakeholders with varied and at times conflicting opinions on what our district’s focus and direction should be.

It is for this reason that we follow the direction of the elected board.

As your superintendent, as a community member and as a fellow parent, I want our students, staff, parents and community to consistently feel pride in Westonka Schools. Our students and staff have given us, and continue to give us, so many reasons to be proud.

Many data points show that Westonka has made tremendous progress over the past several years in preparing our students for the fast-paced future ahead of them, not the least of which is that U.S. News & World Report once again ranked the high school among the top schools in the nation. This progress has been achieved through the collective efforts of our students, staff, board members, families and community members.

My focus is now centered on the board’s outlined steps, our strategic goals and the completion of this school year. I truly believe that collaboration between school and community is at the core of an innovative and progressive system.

As we enter the final days of the school year, we will continue to support our students, our teachers and our staff as they go above and beyond on a daily basis. We also greatly appreciate the help of our parents and community members in supporting our students and the Westonka community.

Through our collective efforts Westonka will be stronger. And each of us plays a critical role in ensuring a successful district.