Montgomery County parents question punishment for students after video of violent bathroom fight posted
WASHINGTON - A violent fight at Walt Whitman High School caught on camera is causing concern for parents who want answers on what will happen to the students involved.
The attack was all caught on camera and has been making the rounds on social media. The video lasts about three minutes and in it, you can see teenagers beating up a fellow student in the bathroom of their Montgomery County high school.
Now, there are questions about the punishment the alleged attackers are facing.
Montgomery County Public Schools is investigating and police are also involved.
So far, this video has been viewed more than 73,000 times and counting.
In a letter sent home to Whitman families following the fight, school principal Gregory Miller says the students involved will receive consequences per the school district's student code of conduct — but FOX 5 was told those consequences are not shared with parents or the community.
Montgomery County Public Schools says violence is not acceptable nor is it healthy, saying actions that violate the school district's standards will not be tolerated.
"Physical violence is not acceptable in our communities and is not a healthy, productive way for conflict resolution. Such behavior is troubling and poses a threat to the safety of our students. Furthermore, when students record these harmful actions, they exacerbate the situation. Actions that violate our standards will not be tolerated, and students who engage in such behavior will face consequences in accordance with the MCPS Code of Conduct," the letter reads.
Some parents are concerned, saying the school district needs to communicate better with families and take this more seriously.
The school principal also encouraged any students impacted by this incident to seek support from a social worker, counseling and Bridge to Wellness staff.
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