A high school golfer in Massachusetts alleges that officials at Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford failed to protect her from bullying and sexual harassment by her male teammates.
Charlotte Rollins, a freshman at the school, addressed her school committee with allegations that she wasn't supported by administration when she brought concerns to them.
"As the only girl on the varsity golf team, I was bullied and humiliated rather than treated as a teammate," Rollins told the committee, according to NBC10 Boston.
Rollins alleged that a male varsity athlete threatened an act of sexual violence against her in front of teammates and said that, while some teachers and counselors supported her, the administration's response was inadequate.
"When I reported serious misconduct, I was left unprotected, unheard and unsupported by those responsible for student safety and accountability," she said.
After addressing the committee, two teachers at the school told the committee that immediate action needs to be taken after what happened to Rollins.
"We respectfully request that the school committee intervene immediately by insisting that the administration punish the students involved according to the student handbook rules," teacher Carol Lund said.
The teachers also alleged that Rollins faced retaliation after reporting the incidents and that the school failed to properly address the situation.
"After reporting the discrimination, the victim was subjected to retaliatory acts by members of the team and their friends. The school failed to repair the situation, discipline or replace the coach," said teacher Erin O'Brien.
Superintendent Michael Harvey pushed back in a statement, saying that said the district disputes allegations it failed to act appropriately, while noting that officials can't speak to matters involving specific students.
"Although the District would dispute any such allegations that it has failed to respond promptly and effectively to reports of mistreatment by students or staff, the District is precluded under state and federal regulations pertaining to student privacy and student records from responding publicly to the specific allegation about which you have inquired," Harvey said.
Rollins' allegations have drawn attention as well as her accomplishments in golf. She recently played at Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, but said her experience at school has overshadowed her success on the course.
She said a teacher had walked her to a class every day since October so she wouldn't have to walk past some of the people who bullied her alone.
"I am leaving Masconomet to attend a school where I can feel safe, respected and treated fairly. But my leaving does not solve the problems that remain," Rollins said. "I urge this committee to closely examine the systems that failed me and that may be failing other students."
Read Superintendent Harvey's full statement shared with NBC10 Boston:
As Superintendent of the Masconomet Regional School District, I am responding to your request for information regarding an allegation that has been made against the District relative to the District's response to a student's report of sexual harassment and discrimination in a district athletic program. Although the District would dispute any such allegations that it has failed to respond promptly and effectively to reports of mistreatment by students or staff, the District is precluded under state and federal regulations pertaining to student privacy and student records from responding publicly to the specific allegation about which you have inquired.
While we are unable to provide the specific information you have requested, please note that the District promptly responds to, investigates, and provides written notice of outcome to the parties involved of any allegations of bullying, discrimination, or discriminatory harassment reported to the District. Where the preponderance of the evidence obtained through any such investigation supports a determination that bullying, discrimination or discriminatory harassment has occurred, the District takes prompt action to address any such violations and to restore and maintain a safe and supportive school environment for the target(s) of such misconduct. Parties are also provided with the opportunity to file a formal appeal of any determinations with which they disagree.
