LORAIN, Ohio - Several Lorain City School employees are under investigation after appearing to encourage a fight at Southview Middle School, then mock the students involved in the altercation. The incident took place May 9, 2022.
Video taken from cell phones and surveillance cameras shows one school employee appear to signal the start of the fight, as two students take a fighting stance with their fists raised. Then more employees watch the fight and appear to take no action to stop it. The video goes on to show several employees mocking the students after other adults step in to break up the altercation.
“Lorain City Schools is entrusted to provide safe, caring environments for our students, staff, and all who enter our schools,” said Lorain City School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham in a statement. “Although we’re still engaged in due process, I really struggle with what I’ve seen in these videos, and I want to make it clear that anyone who violates our promise to take care of the children of Lorain is unwelcome here in our district.”
The district says it has a "zero tolerance policy for violence within its schools" and "any discipline that comes as a result of this incident will be consistent with board policy and past practice."
Video courtesy of WKYC