With impassioned semantics to narrate dramatic events, lawsuits and legal papers have a way of wrapping people up and inciting strong emotions. These emotions cause many to jump to conclusions and assume that allegations made are a matter of fact.

It is important to remember that allegations are just that — alleged, potential wrongdoings that have yet to be proven. Initial filing documents only tell one side of the story. It is also important to remember that most lawsuits are created because there are people who have been, or feel they have been, wronged and are seeking remedy.

When the email came in on Friday announcing that a lawsuit had been filed against Vashon Island School District (VISD), every islander with a child in Vashon schools could read through VISD Superintendent Michael Soltman’s comments on the case that revolves around two island students who have reportedly been harassed and discriminated against — one, it seems, because she is a girl, and one because she is gay. The court filings say that the district and school administrators had done nothing to stop the harassment and, because of the lack of action, created a hostile school environment that led to one of the students leaving school temporarily and on multiple occasions. Anxiety issues experienced by both students were reportedly exacerbated.

Soltman said in his statement, and later reiterated to The Beachcomber, that actions were taken by the district. An alleged harasser involved in the middle school incidents no longer attends the school and an investigation into the district’s policies and dealings with the instances is ongoing and should be completed soon.

After the district’s Friday statement it soon came under fire on social media, with at least one islander threatening to vote “no” on the levy because of the suit and others voicing their anger. But that kind of knee-jerk reaction is not needed nor helpful. Right now, the island needs to show restraint and patience while the legal system handles the issue. There are two sides to every story. Both likely have truth and merit, but without the full story and all of the relevant evidence, it is not the media’s or the public’s job to decide who, if anyone, is in the wrong.

Regardless of the outcome of this case or any opinions surrounding it, two students feel bullied and unsafe and need the support of the schools and community around them.