A Chance For Elmhurst D205 To 'Stretch And Grow'

ELMHURST, IL – The head of the Elmhurst school board this week asked the administration to bring York High School students before the board to hear their concerns in the wake of a restroom incident at the school.

At the end of Tuesday's board meeting, President Kara Caforio made the "small request." She was referring to the altercation in a restroom that police investigated. It involved a student with a disability.

"Last week's incident has really left us heartbroken, and I think while we see so many great things in our community, it's true there is room for us to stretch and grow in our kindness and caring for others, especially those with disabilities," she said.

She said the high school administration is working with students to come up with a plan to channel the "positive energy" that resulted from the incident.

"I just wondered if there is a possibility that the students could come back and share the actions that are being taken at the school to help us all grow," she said.

Caforio also said she would like to hear of any actions that the students would like to see the high school take.

"I think that hearing from students and having them have ownership over this would be amazing for our community and a real opportunity to do something great for all students, but particularly students with disabilities in our school district," Caforio said.

Earlier in the meeting, Caforio choked up in talking about students' reactions to the restroom incident.

Many students are said to be upset. In a video, it appeared that a number of boys bullied a student with a disability. But police later gave a more nuanced report.

Earlier in the week, York students were said to be planning a walkout at some point in honor of the student with a disability.