Grievance against WISD Trustee has completed
The grievance filed against Wimberley ISD Board Trustee Lori Olson has completed the grievance process, though the actions taken by the school board are not clear due to the confidentiality inherent to the process.
The grievance was filed after Olson wore a t-shirt with a Wimberley Texan logo superimposed over the top of a rainbow flag typically associated as a prideful symbol for the LGBTQ community. Olson posted a photo of herself wearing the t-shirt in support of Wimberley’s first Pride Parade. The grievance alleged that the use of the logo was incorrect due to trademark infringement.
While the grievance was largely focused on the proper use of the Texan logo, many felt that the issue targeted Olson’s support of the LGBTQ community.
At the end of a marathon meeting last week, the board unanimously voted to “affirm the response to the level two grievance.” It is not clear what that response was as grievance hearings of this nature are confidential. While the grievance requested Olson be removed from the board, among other things, she was not removed. No punishments were disclosed.
According to Wimberley ISD’s website, a level two grievance is discussed with the complainant and the Superintendent’s designee while a level three grievance is heard by the Board of Trustees.
After the meeting, Board of Trustee President Joe Malone said in a statement “All information regarding the grievance in question is confidential under state law so as Board President I have no legal authority to make any comments nor answer any questions related to the grievance.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Olson gave a statement about the situation.
“I never imagined that I was taking what some would view as an extreme position when I posted my support for the LGBTQ+ community during the Valley’s first ever Pride Parade,” Olson said during a portion of the statement. “I did not anticipate any of this, and I am truly shocked by it all still today sitting in this room. And I am sorry for any and all unintended consequences stemming from all of this. Truthfully, I just genuinely wanted to support friends, family, students and community members in their celebration and struggle for equality.”
Multiple trustees stated before the meeting that they were ready to move on from the topic that had created “deep wounds” and “divided the community.”
After the vote, Malone reiterated that the school district supports all of its students.
“The board and the administration are dedicated to supporting all students and will continue to work hard to ensure that all students are provided a safe and positive learning environment,” Malone said. “We heard you, and we thank you for coming to our meeting tonight. Our hope is that we can move forward together as a board and as a community.”
No further action on the topic is expected.