(The following information was provided by North Penn School District. An additional release from the Towamencin Township Police Department is expected later on Thursday.)
The North Penn School District continues to investigate the
altercation involving three students at North Penn High School on Tuesday, May
4th, and is aware of cellphone videos of part of the incident circulating
throughout social media. We take seriously the comments, reactions and feelings
that are being represented by those on social media and others reaching out to
the school district and school.
Since the altercation on Tuesday, NPSD officials have been in multiple
conversations with the families involved, a representative from the NAACP,
North Penn Mosque and law enforcement. It is important that we work together
during this difficult time and share with the community our steps to resolve
the difficult issues at hand. We also must respect the privacy rights of the
students involved. The District Administration has also apprised the Board of
School Directors that an incident occurred at NPHS. Because the School Board
may be required to act as an impartial hearing body in light of the potential
for student disciplinary proceedings, the Board and its members are legally
unable to comment on this matter out of concern for the due process rights of
all students who may have been involved.
Although our investigation is not yet complete, it is apparent we could have
done a better job in helping the student retrieve her hijab and support her
during the situation. For this, the North Penn School District sincerely
apologizes and resolves to move forward in a manner in which this is not
repeated. Each year we dedicate many hours to help our staff and students grow
in cultural proficiency, but we know we have much more work to do in this
extremely important area.
Our first step in healing will be to provide an opportunity on Friday, May 7th,
for NPHS students to discuss their thoughts regarding race, culture, religion,
and relationships among students in a safe and open manner with school and
district administration. Opportunities for tomorrow’s discussions will be
provided during periods four through seven at the high school. After that, next
steps will involve conversations with North Penn families and the broader
community. Please know that specifics regarding the recent incident will not be
discussed due to privacy laws.
See also:
North Penn High School Addresses Families After 6 Students Recently Test Positive For COVID-19
North Penn School Board Issues Statement Supporting Asian American, Pacific Islander Communities
