Police: Student suspected of planting cameras in Highland Park school bathrooms

A student is suspected of taking unlawful video recordings in two Highland Park school bathrooms after a “suspicious electronic device” in a high school washroom was reported to police.

After the device was found in a Highland Park High bathroom, it was determined there was evidence of prior recording in an Edgewood Middle School bathroom, according to a joint release from the city of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112 and Township High School District 113.

They are working together in response to the “troubling incidents,” it said.

The unidentified student is suspected of having placed the recording device or mobile phone in bathrooms at both schools.

According to the release, the districts are “confident that the photo and video recording has stopped,” and a “limited group” of administrators with both districts are working with Highland Park police to identify and notify victims among students and staff.

“We are sharing this message with you because we want our community to be aware of what has happened and to know that these serious incidents are being thoroughly investigated and addressed,” the release said. “We recognize that this situation is very concerning and will raise many questions.”

Because of the active investigation of the juvenile matter, the districts are limited in what information can be shared, the release said.

“However, we want to assure you that we are closely collaborating to facilitate law enforcement’s investigation and support all those impacted,” the release said.

The schools will provide counseling and mental health resources. Those resources are listed on the districts’ websites, available to students and staff at both schools.

In addition, several safeguarding measures have been taken, the release said. School building personnel have completed searches of bathrooms at all campuses in Districts 112 and 113 to ensure there are no other recording devices, and both districts are conducting Title IX investigations into the matter, in accordance with federal and state law, as well as board policy.

Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any educational institution receiving federal funding. A Title IX investigation is a formal process conducted by a school, college or university to determine whether a reported incident of sex-based discrimination, harassment or misconduct violates Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Each Title IX investigation is separate from, and has different requirements, under the law than the criminal investigation.

“We have implemented strategies to protect students’ right to learn and feel safe at school while the investigation continues,” the release said. “Our respective safety & facilities personnel are continuing to review building safety practices for opportunities to increase monitoring of sensitive spaces while respecting the privacy of students and staff.”

According to the release, as appropriate, follow-up communications with information specific to each school will be provided so parents, students and staff are aware of additional steps the districts are taking to address the matter and support the affected.