Superintendent responds to reports of student harassment at SPASH

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - The Institute for Strategic Dialogue says there’s a large increase in sexist and abusive messages against women across social media since Donald Trump’s re-election.

The harassment has spread to the Stevens Point Area Senior High. There have been reports of students at SPASH being harassed through social media.

Stevens Point students have received messages with the phrase ‘Your Body, My Choice.’

Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner says this has often been directed at female students.

The phrase ‘Your Body, My Choice’ has gained traction since the election ended. It is a derivative of the phrase ‘My body, my choice’ used by women in support of reproductive rights

It started as a post from influencers like Nick Fuentes, targeting women.

Studies found between Thursday and Friday, there was a 46,000 percent increase in mentions of the phrase ‘Your Body, My Choice’ on X.

The trend has now spread to SPASH, and one mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, has a daughter who goes to a Stevens Point school.

She says as a parent, she is frightened that students have to deal with this on top of trying to navigate high school. She says she talked to her daughter at home about the situation.

Her daughter feels comfortable reporting any comments or harassment directed towards her or anyone she knows.

Stevens Point School District Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner released a statement in response to these comments students have been receiving.

It reads in part:

“Dear Families,

I am writing to address an emerging situation that is affecting our learning environment.

In the days after the election, we have received reports of some students using the phrase, “Your body, my choice,” often directed at female students. This appears to be part of a social media trend, originating from certain influencers on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms.

We want to be clear that threatening language has no place in our school community. It is simply unacceptable for students to use any language that is threatening in nature. Any students found to have violated school district policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

If a student has been subjected to threatening language of any kind, we strongly encourage them to notify a teacher, staff member, or another trusted adult immediately. We also want all students to know that our school counselors are available if they need any support at this time.

Our educational community is one in which everyone should feel safe, welcomed, and included.

We ask that we all continue to treat each other with respect, kindness, and dignity. Thank you for your support as we address this situation and ensure our students have access to the safe and supportive learning environment they need and deserve. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Cory Hirsbrunner, Ed.D. Superintendent"

The mother we spoke with said she was happy that Hirsbrunner sent out a statement to families.

However, she was disappointed in how the whole situation was handled.

Hirsbrunner adds if any student has received threatening language of any kind, notify a teacher, staff member, or another trusted adult. They will also have school counselors available for students if they need any support.