LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — A Lancaster County, South Carolina teacher has filed a sexual harassment complaint against one of her 10-year-old students after the child hugged her multiple times.
In the complaint, the teacher says the child in October had laid “his head on her chest while he hugged her.” In another instance, also in October, the teacher says he “pressed his body into hers and wrapped his arms around her.” The teacher claims that’s when she told him “hugging from behind is very inappropriate and not to do it again.”
Earlier this month the teacher claims he “approached her from behind, pressed his body into hers, and put his hands on her hip/side area” attempting to hug her from behind again. The teacher claims it was this incident that lead her to file the case.
The boy’s mom, Lyndsay Casey, said she is "hurt and confused" after being unaware aware it had gotten this far or that there was an issue.
The Lancaster County School District said they’re doing what they can to ensure both parties feel heard in the situation.
“As far as having a response one way or the other - our goal is to provide a safe environment for all our students and staff and we want to make sure they’re aware of their rights and we go through the correct process to protect those rights,” Elizabeth Bryant, the communications director for the school district, told WCNC Charlotte.
The child has now been put on a "no-hug policy" while the claims are being investigated, according to Casey. She finds its unfair.
“He’s a very loving child. I feel like school should be a safe place and him not feeling that way anymore has him in a whirl of emotions right now,” Casey said.
As of now, evidence is being reviewed and the district said it could take between 40 and 120 days before an official decision is made.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.