Claims of service dog abuse at Rochester High School go viral

ROCHESTER, Ill. (WAND) - The Rochester School District said it has seen harassment towards staff and disruptions to school operations after a viral TikTok video recorded a student at a school board meeting talking about issues with her service dog.

The video in question records a junior at Rochester High School speaking during a public comment period at a Nov. 12 school board meeting. The board meeting is also available on the district's YouTube page because it records and streams its school board meetings.

According to district officials, the community member posted the TikTok video with the contact information of the district’s special education director. The video spread quickly, drawing widespread attention — and, the district said, a flood of false and misleading allegations.

Because of student privacy laws, Rochester CUSD 3A said it cannot address specific claims made in the post. In a follow up from WAND News, district spokesman Jon Hansen said the district asked the student's parents to publicly share "facts of the situation," but claimed the parent denied the request. The district said the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents them from publicly discussing the issue, but it can seek permission from a student's parent.

WAND has attempted to contact the student and her parent, but have been unsuccessful.

The district stressed that the online comments in the TikTok video do not reflect the reality inside their schools.

The student, a junior at Rochester High School, said she has Type I diabetes and other medical conditions.

"Having a service dog isn't a choice, it's a medical necessity," the student said to school board members. WAND News is not naming the student.

The student said her service dog, a black Labrador, is her best friend and provides her with safety. The dog alerts her when her blood sugar drops and "helps me stay alive." She said the dog gives her confidence and independence at school. But she said things changed at school last year.

The student claims other students stepped on the dog's legs hurting its hips, pulled his tail, threw food at the dog, and would bark at him in the hallways. The student claims when she spoke up about the issues that "nothing was done." At one point the student claims the special education director denied anything happened. WAND news is also not naming the special education director due to the nature of threats and harassment at the school.

The student claimed her dog has not been able to go to school with her since the beginning of the school year because of his injuries. The student said on the first day of classes she and her dog were the subject of "disability harassment." "Now I walk the halls without the one thing that made me feel safe," the student said. The student said she also feels anxious and that her disability and truth don't matter.

In a statement sent to students, parents, and staff, Interim Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen emphasized that the district investigates every report of bullying or harassment when families provide information needed to follow through. They also noted that any behavior falling short of district expectations is addressed as quickly as possible.

While the student spoke during the school board meeting, several board members can be seen taking notes and being attentive to the students' comments.

The student closed by saying she wanted an apology and to be heard. She said she is advocating for change for her and others who may have been treated unfairly or not heard. She said she "wants to feel safe at school again." Her mother spoke afterwards affirming her support for her daughter and challenging the district to do better.

District leaders said the viral post has led to a “significant disruption” in school operations. Staff in special education and at the high school have received harassing and threatening calls and emails — not just from local residents, but from people across the country and overseas.

“We want to make clear that the characterization of our students, staff, and school community by online commenters does not reflect the Rochester we know and see every day,” the district said.

It's not clear if police are involved.

“Defamation and slander not only hurt individuals but also undermine the trust and respect that should exist between families and schools,” the district said.

This story may be updated.

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