Video of Geneva High School student being dragged was ‘out of context’

Parents of boy call for understanding, caution using social media

Geneva High School.

GENEVA – A video that seems to depict Geneva High School students pulling a student with Down syndrome on the floor was taken out of context, the boy’s parents said in a statement to parents from the principal.

“Last night we were informed of a social media post by some Geneva High School students regarding a fellow student,” Principal Tom Rogers wrote.

“Our administrators immediately investigated the situation, and we have been asked to share this statement by Mr. and Mrs. Keenan, parents of the student who was the subject of the post:

‘We feel that this whole situation was a result of a social media post that was taken completely out of context and then went on to gain a life of its own. We feel that our son is safe and enjoying his peers at Geneva High School and we believe wholeheartedly that they enjoy him as well. We TRULY hope that this situation subsides immediately and that no further ill will is extended towards any of the parties that were involved. We also hope, for everyone, that this is a life lesson about the daily use of social media.’”

While it was determined, as the Keenans indicate, that the post was taken out of context, “the video should not have been recorded nor posted in the first place,” according to Rogers’ message.

“We want to remind students to use good judgment, and emphasize this sentiment to “THINK” before you post:

T = is it true?

H = is It helpful?

I = is it inspiring?

N = is it necessary?

K = is it kind?

“We would like to reiterate the wishes of the Keenans and ask that students learn from this incident and move forward by continuing to treat every student in our school community with respect and kindness,” according to Rogers’ statement.

In an email, Geneva District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler stated, that, “Geneva High School prioritizes a safe and supportive learning environment where students are respected and respect each other.”

“Concerns involving students that are brought to our administration are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. State and federal laws prevent us from commenting on specific incidents,” according to Mutchler’s statement.

When reached by phone, the boy’s mother, Teresa Keenan, said she did not want to talk about it any more.

The video, which has reportedly been taken down, depicted the student being dragged on the floor and at one point lying on the floor against the wall.

Various people posting called it “genevahallofshame.”

This is the second time in as many days that a video on social media has stirred the public’s ire.

Geneva High School French teacher Antoinette Tortorello-Allaway turned in her resignation this week after her profanity-laced video on TikTok became widely distributed. The Geneva D-304 school board will accept the resignation Monday as it takes action to accept the personnel report, which also includes new hires and reclassifications of employees.