School District Counters Alleged Harassment

The Pacifica School District has taken swift action to address the complaints of parents who said their son, a competitive ballroom dancer, was subjected to anti-gay slurs and physical abuse at school, the district’s attorney said.

The father of the 12-year-old boy is upset that the district allegedly allowed more than 30 students to harass his son at school last year. The boy’s father filed a claim against the district this week.

John Beiers, deputy county counsel, and Supt. Michele Garside said Thursday that the school took several steps to respond to the alleged harassment -- including suspending students, offering classes to prevent sexual harassment and sending letters to all school parents.