|
Video-taping student suspended
Published November 11, 2007
A student who recorded a brawl at Del Rio High School has been suspended according to principal Jorge Garza.
Garza said a student has confessed to taping a fight between several females Nov. 1 and then posting that fight on the popular Internet video-sharing site YouTube several days later.
Eight other students involved in the fight were also suspended.
Garza said Friday that the student who recorded the video was suspended on a “level IV” violation of the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District’s Student Code of Conduct.
According to the code of conduct on electronic devices, a student is in violation if they:
• “Record the voice or image of another without the prior consent of the individuals being recorded or in any way that disrupts the education environment or invades the privacy of others.”
• “Send or post electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment”
• “Possess published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal behavior or that could threaten school safety”
• “Display, turn on, or use a cellular telephone or other telecommunications device on school property during the school day.”
The code also allows a student accused of a violation the opportunity to take their case through the chain of command all the way to the school board if warranted.
“What I am trying to do on my campus is protect the rights of every child,” said Garza. “What if it were your child on that video, wouldn’t you want their rights protected?”
Garza said administration would also make every effort to ensure the child who posted the video is treated fairly.
“Each case is handled on an individual basis and we look at all sides. We will not jump to conclusions because this affects their education, too,” said Garza.
Garza said he is also concerned the video sends the wrong message about the atmosphere of the high school, noting that the school has had few fights since the start of the school year.
“I invite anyone who has a concern about this high school to stop by and visit us. Ask your children if they are fearful of coming to school here. If they are, come and talk to me,” urged Garza.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print
|
