Published: September 25, 2009 01:50 pm      

Principal: GHS students were not singled out

Gainesville High School officials say an ACLU investigation into some of the school’s assemblies is nothing more than a request for information.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas reportedly contacted GISD officials after a freshman student told the organization that Hispanic students have been singled out for assemblies about low standardized test scores, gang activities and teen pregnancy.

“The district did receive a public information request by the ACLU because a complaint had been filed by a parent,” GHS principal Gene Suttle said this morning.

Suttle said the assembly in question was one of several meetings school officials have held for various segments of the student population.

The assemblies are standard back-to-school procedure at many schools, he said.

“We met with eight different (student) groups at the beginning of the school year,” Suttle said. “Each year, we try to sit down with different groups of kids to help them understand what will be expected of them during the upcoming academic year. The particular meeting (the parent was concerned about) was for a group of Hispanic freshman. It was led by our Hispanic staff — administrators, teachers and aids. These staff members act as a support group for the students. They are role models and mentors for our Hispanic students,” he said.

Suttle noted that freshman students of all ethnic backgrounds are considered at risk.

“Freshman are the most at risk group of students. We have found that a student’s freshman year sets the tone for success or failure in high school. We want our freshman to succeed; therefore, we place extra emphasis on freshman students,” he said.

Hispanic students were one of several groups of students who received information about the upcoming school year.

“When we met with this particular group, we wanted to help them undertand what tests they will be taking, how to succeed on these tests, how to approach their teachers, how to take advantage of tutorials and who they can go to if they need assistance,” he said. “It was all very, very positive.”

Suttle said the need for support and mentoring is not limited to Hispanic or any other ethnic groups.

“We are here to offer support for all our students. Not all students need extra support. Many students get the assistance they require from their parents. But for those students who need a little more support and help, we want to step in and provide that assistance,” Suttle said.

Suttle said it is also important to note that at no time were any student groups singled out or accussed of lowering academic ratings.

“I think sometimes our intentions can be misintrepreted, and I believe that’s what happened in this case,” he said. “We’re working hard to bring about positive things for GISD. We want parents and students to know that we are doing everything we can for the good of our kids.”

A story published by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram stated that parent Maurissa Perez complained to the ACLU after her child — a GHS freshman — said Hispanic students had been singled out for talks on gang activity, low test scores and teen sexual activity.

The ACLU reportedly asked the district to provide information about the school’s assemblies and data about GHS’s 2009 academic ratings.

According to the GISD, Gainesville High School has about 700 students.

The high school is approximately 56 percent Anglo, 32 percent Hispanic and 11 percent black.

A call to the ACLU was not returned by press time.