Her School Did Not Protect Her - Together We Can

In March of 2020 (before the schools let out on pandemic leave), I received a phone call where I was told that my daughter was being sexually assaulted by another child at her school. The most horrible part of this, however, is that they discovered that it had been going on for the better part of TWO YEARS. Through this entire process, the Hampton City Schools administration team and their lawyers for the school board have been nothing short of negligent and reckless with not only my daughter’s care, but my son’s. Between me and my attorney, we have attempted to get the kids enrolled in schools that would enrich them academically and HCS has told me no – they just don't care about my kids.

The Hampton School Board through their attorneys have stated “even if your client is seen in the most favorable light, the Hampton School Board and its employees have no liability.” A child was repeatedly raped on the campus of one of your schools and 1) you have no liability and 2) you’d reference AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD like this? My daughter and I spoke at the May 5th School Board Meeting and the chairman of the school board was more concerned with interrupting me and saying “You’ve had five minutes – wrap it up” than with what I was saying. I've spoken at several school board meetings since then and after doing everything I could to advocate for my child, Ann Stevens Cherry, the chairman of the school board has banned me from speaking at school board meetings.  Dr. Richard Mason, Vice-Chair of the school board even filed a restraining order against me to keep me out of spaces where I could speak to local, state and national legislators in order to amplify Celeste's voice. It's a shame when a school board has chosen to weaponize itself against a parent. I've given them every opportunity to do what's best for my child at minimal cost to the school district, but they have doubled down on neglecting my child. At this point, there is nothing left to do but file suit. All avenues to avoid this have been exhausted so now, the marathon continues.

This GoFundMe was set up as the cost of a legal battle is exhaustively expensive. All funds collected here will be used for legal expenses and to support Celeste and her family as they navigate this rough road.  These include her educational expenses (as we;ve had to move her to private school), wellness expenses, and any needs deemed necessary by her parents. The amount of support that we have received at this point has been overwhelming – people have shown that there are people who really believe in moral character, decency and compassion – something obviously lacking in the members of the Hampton School Board and their attorneys. Even if you can’t donate, thank you for all of your support – it is appreciated more than you’ll ever realize. #8forCeleste

For more information, please feel free to visit our website at www.8forCeleste.org