Ashbrook High School Assault Fuels Community Outrage, Demands for Change
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Gastonia, NC (WNN)— A video showing a student being attacked inside a classroom at Ashbrook High School ignited community outrage. Consequently, it has fueled protests and a petition demanding action from Gaston County Schools.
Video Spreads Widely on Social Media
The footage quickly spread across various social media platforms, gaining significant attention. It was shared on the local Facebook page, Gaston County Scanner Radio, where it reportedly garnered over 317,000 views.
The video also circulated on X (formerly Twitter), where it was shared by different accounts, including Libs of TikTok, which has 4.3 million followers and has gained more than 6 million views.
Official Police Investigation Underway
The Gaston County Police Department has confirmed it is investigating the classroom assault. According to a Facebook post by the department, school administration reported the incident to the School Resource Officer (SRO), and an investigation immediately ensued. The police department said it takes all incidents of school violence seriously.
The authorities have handed the complete investigation over to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to pursue petitions. However, North Carolina’s juvenile laws prevent them from disclosing the identities of the students involved or any criminal charges at this time.
Community Response
Teresa MacFarlane, an advocate for children with special needs and organizer of the protest, expressed her concerns about the incident. “I’m concerned, and we need to better address the needs of the Exceptional Children,” MacFarlane stated. She added, “We have a new Director of Exceptional Children that I believe will do an excellent job!”
Macfarlane, who has been a Parent Advocate for Exceptional Children for about 30 years, said she was motivated to organize the protest after being contacted by several parents she has helped or is currently assisting. “I organized it. I had several parents that I have helped or am currently helping reach out to me when the video was done,” she said.
In addition to expressing her concern for Exceptional Children, Macfarlene called for a review of the school’s policies, procedures and the installation of classroom cameras. “I believe they need to examine the current policies and procedures and revisions need to be made,” she said. “I want Cameras in the classroom so that if something happened, it is on video.
She emphasized the community’s dissatisfaction with the incident and the importance of addressing the needs of all students. “I want them to see that the Citizens are not okay with this,” Macfarlane said. “I want to share that Exceptional Children are important also, and they matter.”
Gaston County School’s Code of Conduct
Gaston County Schools’ Student Code of Conduct outlines specific rules regarding student behavior. Rule 6 prohibits bullying and harassment, with potential consequences for high school students ranging from in-school disciplinary action, such as long-term suspension, to criminal charges.
Rule 10 prohibits fighting or attempting to cause bodily harm, with consequences ranging from up to 10 days of out-of-school suspension to law enforcement involvement.
Ongoing Community Action and Pending School Response
Macfarlane has launched a Change.org petition urging Gaston County Schools to rise to the occasion and take assertive action against bullying and boost security measures.
Furthermore, the petition calls for a thorough review of school safety policies, increased measures to prevent bullying and violence, and greater support for students with special needs. As of this report, the petition has garnered significant support from concerned parents and community members. Sign the petition here.
WNN is currently waiting to hear back from Gaston County Schools regarding this incident. Check back for updates.
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