Community Reacts to Middle School Sex Assault
posted by: Laurann Robinson
Irving Middle School teacher, Jackson Hedrick, was arrested today on sexual assault charges involving a 14 year old student. He was also involved with many students outside of the middle school… From coaching cross country at Lincoln Southeast High School, to guiding youth at First Plymouth Congregational Church.
Parents at Irving Middle School were surprised to hear the news of his arrest this morning, saying…
“Shock. I can’t even believe. You don’t ever want to think that a teacher would do that because you trust your children for 8 hours a day. So i’m shocked.”
“I’m actually in shock about it, to be truthfully honest. It’s scary.”
Although many parents are in shock about the first degree sexual assault arrest, all of the parents I spoke to said they still feel safe about leaving their children in the school’s hands, saying…
“I have always felt very safe leaving her. Every problem that has come up, they’ve always been quick to respond.”
“It’s a shame this happened, but i feel pretty good about her being here,”
“I feel safe. My kids talk to me about it. My daughter does.”
Hedrick also spent time mentoring youth at First Plymouth Congregational Church.
Senior Minister, Jim Keck, says Hedrick grew up in the church, so the news came extremely unexpected. They’re following a similar protocol to what Lincoln Public Schools did after hearing of the assault.
“He will be suspended from any involvement with the youth until the matter is resolved. And we’ll notify, just as LPS puts out notification, we’ll send a general notification to folks,” said Keck.
Keck also said that many people in the community were saddened by the news, as many youth in the church have been stopping by, distressed, after having known him for years.
