Several male students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School have been disciplined for distributing a list that rated the attractiveness of about 18 senior females who are in the International Baccalaureate program.
B-CC Principal Donna Redmond Jones told Bethesda Beat Monday morning that the list was shared via a group chat. Jones said the list included the girls’ first name and a rating.
While Jones would not characterize the nature of the ratings, two other school sources said the ratings were based on the girls’ physical attractiveness.
Jones would not confirm how many boys were involved or the nature of their punishment, but said, “There’s always discipline. There are always consequences.”
In a March 9 email to the “B-CC community,” Jones said the administrative team that investigated the matter “assigned consequences” based on the Montgomery County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct.
Jones said she learned about the ranking March 5 and immediately started investigating who was involved.
“There were a lot of people involved in terms of the people who saw it,” she said. “We’re still investigating who had what role.”
In the weeks since she discovered the ranking, Jones said she has had a series of meetings with the “girls and guys involved.” She said she expressed her “disappointment” to the boys and told them that their actions are not “reflective of the values” of the school.
Jones also said she met with several parents of the students involved who requested meetings.
In the email to the school community, Jones wrote “This incident has been very upsetting for students, staff and families. B-CC High School has no tolerance for bullying.”
Here is the text of B-CC Principal Donna Redmond Jones’ email to the school community:
I am writing to make you aware of an incident that has affected our learning community.
Earlier this week the administrative team received a report that several students had created and circulated a list of approximately 18 senior girls’ first names with a “rating” beside the name. The ratings were used to rank the students.
This incident has been very upsetting for students, staff and families. B-CC High School has no tolerance for bullying. Our school strives to create a sense of belonging and respect for all students. This incident does not reflect those values.
The administrative team investigated the matter, and assigned consequences based on the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.
Throughout this week a variety of meetings have been held to enable the students most directly affected to share the personal impact of this incident. In addition, students had the opportunity to discuss and generate steps that must be taken to restore a sense of community. These meetings are only an initial step.
Ongoing engagement with the broader school community is necessary to empower those who are the targets of bullying as well as those who are aware of bullying to speak up and speak out against it.
Counselors have been collaborating with the administrative team to support students.
If you and your child ever become aware of bullying, please report it to a member of the administrative team right away. Information can be collected on the reporting form at this link: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/pdf/230-35.pdf
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions.
Sincerely,
Donna Redmond Jones, Ph.D.
Principal
