Boyd Independent School District (ISD) is reportedly seeking to remove a school resource officer (SRO) linked to an ongoing hazing investigation at Boyd High School. This comes in the wake of four students being arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident that took place in September.
Documents obtained indicate that the district’s officials are attempting to have the officer, Ray Cannon, removed from his position following his media interviews concerning the investigation. However, the city has denied the school board’s request to prohibit Cannon from serving on campus, asserting that he has not breached any policies.
During a recent school board meeting, Jill Cameron, a supporter of the victim’s family, expressed her concerns regarding the incident. She emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “A child was violated and not violated in a we got in a little fight in the locker room.” The incident involved two 17-year-old students and two juveniles allegedly forcing a 14-year-old into a shower and removing his clothing.
Cameron further pointed out the disparities in societal reactions to such incidents, noting, “If the roles were reversed and this was a man doing this to a female, we’d be having a completely different story and I think that’s what everybody’s missing.”
In the background of this investigation, Officer Cannon, who is also the public information officer for the Boyd Police Department, spoke with media outlets last month, highlighting the victim’s fear during the ordeal. “He was scared,” Cannon reported, adding that the victim was uncertain about the duration of the harassment.
Recent developments reveal that the school board has formally requested the city to ban Cannon from any school campus, with sources suggesting this might be a retaliatory move due to the ongoing police investigation. In an email to Boyd City Manager William Taylor, School Board President Kyle Erwin raised questions about Cannon’s ability to fulfill his duties following a lengthy news interview he conducted while on district property.
While conducting interviews falls within Cannon’s job responsibilities, the school board has expressed concern regarding the appropriateness of such actions during school hours. They have also voiced worries about the ongoing questioning of students and the collaboration between law enforcement and school administration.
The city manager responded to the school board’s concerns, indicating that there had been no identified violation of the SRO agreement, city policy, or police department policy, thereby denying the request to remove Cannon.
In the meantime, the police are continuing their investigation, considering potential charges against any coaches or staff members who may not have reported the hazing incident appropriately. Meanwhile, Cameron has stated that she feels the well-being of the 14-year-old victim and his family has not been prioritized by the school district.
The school board has expressed its disagreement with the city’s decision to retain Officer Cannon at the school, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding this case.
