PRINCEVILLE, Ill. – The Peoria County Sheriffs Department says it’s investigating an incident in Princeville where an autistic student claims other students took pictures of him in a restroom without his consent, then posted them to social media.
While the Princeville School District won’t officially confirm the incident, documents obtained by 25 News indicate a Peoria County Judge granted a temporary restraining order to keep the students away from Noah Guzman, 18.
“We need to do more, as a district, to put a stop to the bullying,” Guzman told the Princeville School Board Tuesday night. “The photo incident just isn’t the only thing. There are many other forms of harassment and bullying that have been going on in the school.”
Guzman says the students have also bullied and harassed him about his sexual orientation, sexual activity and other, in his words, “humiliating matters.” He says he feels anxious going to school now, and that life has likely returned to normal for the students who took the photos.
While declining to comment, Princeville’s superintendent says student discipline and misconduct policies are being followed.
Sheriff Chris Watkins says criminal charges are being considered.
“I think, as a community, we need to stand strong and not be scared of speaking out, no matter what we think or how we feel,” said Guzman.
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