Press Release: Immediately
CCSD HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
It is currently being reported in the news that former JROTC instructor Ira Harris has been indicted for sexual misconduct involving two special needs students at Shiprock High School last winter. As soon as the District learned about any potential wrongdoing on the part of this individual at that time, the administration immediately investigated the situation, put the individual on administrative leave and reported the matter to law enforcement. The District has cooperated and assisted in the FBI’s investigation fully and will continue to do so.
Immediately upon completion of the investigation of these allegations last winter, this individual was immediately removed from the JROTC program and reported to his military supervisors.
“We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. It is absolutely unacceptable that predators seek to exploit our most vulnerable. We are doing everything in our power to bring justice to the students involved, their families and our community. The safety and well-being of our students is paramount. We support the healing process for this trauma and request that you respect the privacy of our students and their families during this extremely difficult time.” Superintendent Steve Carlson.
The JROTC program is under new, highly qualified and ethical leadership. The actions of this individual do not reflect on the mission of the JROTC program or its benefits to our students. The District is dedicated to ensuring that the JROTC program will continue to provide students with expanded college and career opportunities, leadership development, team building and technical skills building.
In recent years our state, local and tribal leaders have been focusing on ways to assist school districts in addressing incidents of sexual misconduct that include expanded training, reporting requirements and investigatory processes so that the individuals responsible are removed from the educational system and held accountable by our justice system. The District prioritizes these initiatives and is also expanding counseling and other resources for students and staff to help them through these situations. We will be updating our resource list and re-posting it on our website to help address questions, concerns and needs.
One of the best tools we have available to combat these incidents is the See Something, Say Something program. Please download app:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/say-something-shp/id1216883910
Reporting suspicious conduct immediately when it is seen enables us to promptly investigate the situation and take action.
“The vast majority of our staff are extremely dedicated to the safety and well-being of our students. Unfortunately, it only takes one person to shake our confidence and make us feel unsafe. Please be reassured that our safety team is on high alert to safeguard our students and staff from these rare individuals in our midst.” Superintendent Steve Carlson.
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