Students protest alleged sexual harassment at Tumwater Middle School

A third-party investigator is set to probe an unspecified instance of student-to-student sexual harassment at Tumwater Middle School following a sidewalk protest by students on Friday, May 16.

The Tumwater School District hired an “independent, outside investigator” on Friday to review the allegations as a Title IX complaint, which covers sex-related offenses. 

School Principal John Neal sent an email to students and families on Friday saying the purpose of the protest is to “raise concerns about alleged incidents of student-to-student sexual harassment.”

Neal denied alleged rape cases at the school, addressing signs that student demonstrators held at the protest that referenced sexual assault with the message "no means no." 

“It’s important for you to know that there have been no reported incidents of rape at our school. That said, we remain committed to addressing any complaints of unwanted sexual advances or assaults promptly and thoroughly,” Neal said.  

In an email to The JOLT News, Director of Communications and Community Relations Laurie Wiedenmeyer stated Monday that the specifics of the complaints have not been publicly disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation.  

Neal’s letter stated the school has previously investigated the “original concerns” with the Tumwater Police Department (TPD). 

TPD Detective Lieutenant Jen Kolb released a statement saying the department worked with the school district and talked with the “young demonstrators.” 

“The Tumwater Police Department values each person's right to demonstrate safely, and we will not impede that. When there is a situation reported to law enforcement that requires a criminal investigation, we take it seriously and a complete and thorough investigation occurs,” Kolb stated.  

The police only monitored the situation on Friday, as they had not received a new criminal complaint to investigate. 

Moving forward 

Neal released a letter to parents on Sunday, stating safety measures will be taken post-protest, and confidentiality matters. 

Neal’s letter stated students are required to remain on campus for the whole day and only leave before dismissal when signed out by a registered parent, guardian or emergency contact. 

The letter also contained a clause stating, “failure to follow closed campus expectations could lead to behavioral interventions.” 

Neal said the school cannot share details about individual students or the disciplinary actions that may be taken because it is bound by law to protect the identity of potential complainants and victims.  

“We want to be clear that a Title IX investigation has been launched. On Friday, we contacted an investigator and will soon hear what the next steps will include,” Neal stated in the letter. 

District statements 

According to the documents sent by Wiedenmeyer, the principal first sent a notification of the protest to the families on Friday. 

“May 16, 2025 

Subject: Notification Regarding Student-Led Protest at Tumwater Middle School 

Dear Tumwater Middle School Families, 

We want to inform you about a student-led protest taking place this morning that has gathered on the sidewalk just off of our campus. School and district administrators have met with the student organizers and understand that the purpose of the protest is to raise concerns about alleged incidents of student-to-student sexual harassment on the Tumwater Middle School campus. 

Though we have previously investigated and addressed the original concerns in collaboration with the Tumwater Police Department, we take the concerns of the students very seriously and will have this investigated as a Title IX complaint. The district has made the decision to hire an independent, outside investigator to thoroughly review and address the allegations. Our priority is to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students. 

Please know that school remains in session today, and we are taking steps to support all students during this time. Counselors and other support staff are available for any student who may need someone to talk to.  

Feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. 

Sincerely, 
John Neal 
Principal, Tumwater Middle School 

The first letter was supplemented by another statement dated on the same day. It served as a follow-up on the protest. 

“May 16, 2025 

Subject: Follow-Up on Today’s Student-Led Protest at TMS 

Dear Tumwater Middle School Staff and Families, 

I want to follow up regarding the student-led protest that took place earlier today at school. The demonstration was organized by students seeking to express their voices on issues important to them. It was conducted peacefully, and we respect students’ rights to self-expression when done in a safe and respectful manner. 

Staff were available throughout the day to support student safety and help maintain a calm and orderly environment. We appreciate our students for their respectful conduct and thank our staff for their professionalism and care during the event.  

We also recognize that most of our students did not participate in the protest, and that, for some that did not, the actions of their peers brought up strong emotions or concerns. As a school community, we are committed to supporting all students — those who participated and those who did not — and ensuring that everyone feels heard, safe, and valued. 

In response to the concerns raised by the student (protesters,) the Tumwater School District has engaged an independent, outside investigation organization to thoroughly review the matter. We are currently awaiting next steps and will provide updates as we are able. 

Additionally, we are considering hosting a parent/guardian listening session in the near future. This would offer families an opportunity to come together to discuss the situation, ask questions, and share ideas about how we as a school community can respond to issues as they arise — and, most importantly, how we can work together to ensure that every student has a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment in which to learn. 

Please look for a message from me that will come to you on Sunday that will clearly outline how we will move forward as a school, including what expectations will be in place and what the consequences are for students who leave class unexcused, exit the campus without permission, or otherwise disrupt the learning environment. Our goal is to support student expression while also ensuring accountability and maintaining a safe and orderly school setting.  

We encourage families to check in with their students and to reach out to our staff, counselors, or administrators with any questions, concerns, or support needs. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and care for our school community. 

Sincerely, 
John Neal 
Principal, Tumwater Middle School” 

 The district sent another release on Sunday, May 18, 2025. 

“May 18, 2025  

Dear Tumwater Middle School Families and Staff, 

As we prepare for the week ahead, we want to share important information about expectations and plans for maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for each and every one of our students. 

We are all aware of the student-led protest that occurred on Friday. At Tumwater Middle School, we respect and uphold students' rights to free speech and we appreciate that it remained peaceful and respectful. At the same time, it is our responsibility to ensure that school remains a place students come to learn and can do so in an orderly environment. 

Here are a few key reminders as we move forward: 

• Student Safety and Supervision: Once students arrive at school, they are expected to go to their assigned class, remain in class and on campus for the duration of the school day. The sidewalk along Littlerock Road is considered off-campus. Please remember that TMS is a closed campus and students may only leave campus before dismissal when signed out by a parent, guardian, or emergency contact in Skyward. Before school starts and once a student arrives on campus they are not able to leave, without permission, and then return. Failure to follow closed campus expectations could lead to behavioral interventions. 

• Confidentiality: Many have asked about prior complaints and what discipline was given. This is a reminder that we are bound by laws and policies that protect student privacy. This means we cannot share details about individual students or any disciplinary actions that may be taken. These laws are also in place to protect the identity of potential complainants/victims.  

• Harassment: Chanting or publicly sharing the name(s) of individual students in a derogatory way during school or school-related activities may be considered harassment and will be addressed accordingly. 

• Title IX Investigation: We want to be clear that a Title IX investigation has been launched. On Friday we contacted an investigator and will soon hear what next steps will include. We take all concerns seriously and are following appropriate legal and district procedures to ensure a thorough and fair process. 

We would also like to address some of the signs that were held by students during the protest that referenced rape and the message  "no means no." It’s important for you to know that there have been no reported incidents of rape at our school. That said, we remain committed to addressing any complaints of unwanted sexual advances or assaults promptly and thoroughly, and we encourage students to come forward with any concerns so they can be appropriately investigated and addressed.  

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available. Please encourage them to reach out to report it to their school, trusted adult, counselor, our district tipline, or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for free, confidential support 24/7.   

We are committed to creating a safe environment where every student feels supported and respected. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to uphold the values of dignity, safety, and mutual respect for all members of our school community. 

Please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely, 
John Neal, Principal 
Tumwater Middle School”