None of the students involved in a big fight at Lincoln High School last week will be expelled, school officials decided on Friday.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Unified School District has requested an independent investigation into the actions of school police officer injured in the fight.
The decision about the students came as school officials met with church leaders and community members to address how to move forward after the school melee last Friday.
A fight broke out between two male students at the school on Imperial Avenue during a lunch break and ended up in a parking garage. No weapons were involved.
A student’s cellphone video shows a 16-year-old student on the ground in the parking garage after being stunned with a Taser by a school police officer. The officer was taken to the hospital with serious injuries as well as five students who were pepper sprayed.
School officials said Friday they were still sorting out what exactly happened during the fight. But, they said, the students involved will be able to continue attending school, will undergo counseling and have one-on-one assistance to ensure they’re on track for college.
“Restorative justice has to do with repairing the harm,” said School Superintendent Cindy Marten. “Who did you hurt? Why did you hurt them? You hurt your community. You hurt yourself. We have to determine in an individual circle what harm has been caused.”
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Reverend Shane Harris of the National Action Network echoed that sentiment.
“Whether the kids were right or wrong, the fact is they deserve a second chance,” he said. “They deserve a second opportunity.”
As the board moves forward from the fight, board member Sharon Whitehurst said every part of the incident is being looked at by officials.
