Mother speaks out after daughter’s experiences with embattled Fargo S. teacher

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - On March 31, an investigative report was brought to light by Fargo Public Schools into Fargo South High School teacher Kevin Kennedy. A mother of a former student for Kennedy, who didn’t want to be identified, has come forward to share her daughter’s alleged experience with the embattled teacher.

“That’s why I don’t want to see people like this in positions of power over children and if there is any question, any doubt. That they should not be in a teaching position.” said the mother.

According to her, she had made a complaint about Kennedy to the school district during the 2017-2018 school year. In an interview with Valley News Live, she made mention to two instances that involved with Kennedy. First was when her daughter confided in Kennedy about another student making advances towards her, and her teacher’s response was that it wasn’t true and proceeded to ridicule her for it.

“And continued to ridicule her for it, which was pretty devastating.” said the unnamed mother.

The second occasion happened when Kennedy allegedly was teasing students for their sexuality. When her daughter confronted Kennedy’s behavior, apparently he turned his insults towards her.

“He retaliated towards when she try to stand up for her friends by commenting on her skin tone, disparaging her hair texture, other comments about her physical appearance.” said the former Fargo South mother.

The mother said the retaliation didn’t stop, progressing to removing her from an extra-curricular activity. Her mood, schooling and mental health began to decline, leading to a tough bout with depression according to the unnamed mother. She said that Kennedy was her daughter’s favorite teacher, but something happened and caused her sudden shift in attitude towards him.

“Life altering, shocking and devastating. Because I didn’t see it coming,” said the former Fargo South mother. “And I guess I never would have expected it and it’s still life changing and thank God she’s ok today. But I mean I have a lot of anger about it.”

Now she hopes the school board make the right decision on April 5.

Copyright 2022 KVLY. All rights reserved.