WILLIAM SMALLS

     If you go to Baptist Hill, you probably know by now that William Smalls, your barbering teacher, has sexually harassed not one, but two of his students on Monday, November 4. If you didn’t know, now you do.

Briefly, Smalls entered his first block class late, and in an intoxicated state. He continually asked his female students if he looks good for his age, he got too close for comfort multiple times, he rubbed himself against a student’s arm, and has completely crossed the line of what’s even mildly inappropriate.

Had this been the first and only issue ever reported regarding Smalls, it’d be surprising and uncharacteristic, but that’s not the case. Last year, an incident with him arose and was reported where he touched a female student’s leg. It’s unknown to the student body whether or not he was punished for this incident, or even if he was found guilty or not. Whatever the case may have been last year, he was back this year to continue his vexing behavior.

If a student brings up an issue with a teacher, administrative leave should immediately be given while an investigation is had. We are under the impression that that is how Baptist Hill handles allegations. When Mr. Slawson was reported to our school guidance, It was asked whether or not any more teachers made us feel uncomfortable and Mr. Smalls was mentioned. That was a week before Smalls revealed his true colors and showed exactly why his name came up in the first instance. 

Why was his name requested if the Baptist Hill Administration would only sit back and wait for someone to be hurt for them to take action. Should precautions not have been taken a week prior to this event, when Admin was warned that something like this could happen with this exact teacher? This only shows once again that we have to speak so much louder for our voices to truly be heard.

There is no reason a girl should come to school, talking and laughing with her friends one minute, and being terrified of a pushy, drunk, and inappropriate teacher the next. It’s completely unacceptable. If our supposed protectors are seemingly incapable of protecting us, how can we continue to come to school and feel safe? How could a parent be okay with sending their child to a school that keeps a predator like William Smalls within our halls?

Parents, these are your children. Your children are being preyed on and the ones who are supposed to be their advocates only make excuses for the predators they employ.

Students, this is our school. If we don’t like something, then we have the power to change it. If we don’t feel safe, then we need to stand up and use our voices. Make them hear us. Not with aggression and violence, but 500 voices are a lot more powerful than one. If you see something, say something. It’s become very clear over the last two weeks that the term ‘trusted adult’ should be used very loosely in this school. Tell a friend. Tell your parents. Tell someone that you are sure will advocate for you, and if you aren’t sure, advocate for yourself.

        Baptist Hill Administration, stop letting these predators into our halls. Stop letting in the worst possible people for these jobs just because there may be no one else. You will be held accountable for the damage you’ve already caused us. Our safety matters.