Ashbrook Protests Continue, Cameras Demanded After Attack

10:51 AM EST |April 7, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|Crime, Education, News Articles, People,

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Gastonia, NC (WNN)— On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, community members held a second protest following the violent attack on an Ashbrook High School student.

They will continue to voice their concerns at the Gaston County School Board meeting on April 14th. The attack, captured on video, has resulted in the attacker being charged.

Video Shows Attack, Charges Filed

The attack, which involved a student punching another student sitting at a desk, was captured on video and circulated on social media. The video shows the victim falling to the floor and crying while other students laugh, which led to previous protests.

Protestors outside of The Gaston County School Board Building. April 5th, 2025, by Lauren Ramsey (WNN).

Law enforcement has confirmed that charges have been filed against the attacker. After investigating the assault, which the school’s administration reported, the Gaston County Police Department consequently turned the investigation over to the Department of Juvenile Justice to obtain a petition for the attackers’ arrest.

Police did not identify either child involved, citing North Carolina law that protects minors in criminal cases, and did not specify the exact charges filed.

Community Demands Accountability

Teresa MacFarlane, an advocate for children with special needs and organizer of the protest, emphasized the importance of community action. “If we don’t stand up for these kids, who will?” MacFarlane said. “These kids can do anything they set their mind to, it just might take them a few steps to get there.”

A mother and son protesting outside of The Gaston County School Board Building. April 5th, 2025, by Lauren Ramsey (WNN).

Community Pushes for Classroom Cameras

A central demand of the protest is the installation of cameras in school buildings. Protestors believe cameras would provide crucial evidence when teachers and administrators offer conflicting accounts of events. “We need cameras in the classrooms so if the teachers say something didn’t happen, administration can have something to look back on,” MacFarlane explained.

A protestor outside of The Gaston County School Board Building. April 5th, 2025, by Lauren Ramsey (WNN).

This demand resulted in a change.org petition created by MacFarlane that advocates for anti-bullying measures and the installation of surveillance cameras in all Gaston County classrooms.

Anticipated Large Turnout at School Board Meeting

Organizers hope to draw a large crowd to the April 14th school board meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Gaston County Schools Building, located at 943 Osceola St, Gastonia, NC 28054, to amplify their message.

“We want to have the biggest stand to let them know this is not okay. We need to do better.” MacFarlane said.

Outside of The Gaston County Schools Building. April 5th, 2025, by Lauren Ramsey (WNN).

Furthermore, the meeting is expected to draw a significant number of concerned parents and community members seeking answers and demanding better safety measures for students.

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