Officials say an investigation is underway and a student has been identified as a suspect after recording devices were placed in restrooms at two schools in Highland Park.
The City of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112 and Township High School District 113 said in a joint statement Tuesday they were working together in response to “troubling incidents” involving unlawful video recording.
Officials said adults and juveniles were victims of the unlawful video recording while they were using restrooms at Edgewood Middle School and Highland Park High School.
The Highland Park Police Department was notified after a staff member discovered a suspicious electronic device in a restroom at Highland Park High School.
It was also determined that there was evidence of prior recording in a restroom at Edgewood Middle School.
A juvenile student was identified as the suspect responsible for placing a recording device or mobile phone in restrooms at both schools.
“At this time, we are confident that the photo and video recording has stopped,” the joint statement said.
Administrators representing both districts are working closely with the Highland Park Police Department to identify and notify students and staff who may have been victims of the recordings.
“We recognize that this situation is very concerning and will raise many questions,” the statement said, adding that due to the active investigation of the juvenile matter, officials are limited in what they can share regarding its progress.
“However, we want to assure you that we are closely collaborating to facilitate law enforcement’s investigation and support all those impacted,” the statement added.
The school districts said that supporting the school communities and ensuring students and staff feel safe at school is a “top priority.”
The schools said they are taking steps to provide counseling and mental health resources and enhance safeguarding practices.
School building personnel have completed searches of bathrooms at all campus schools in Districts 112 and 113 to ensure there are no other recording devices.
“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,” officials said.
Districts 112 and 113 are also conducting Title IX investigations into the matter.