A community is calling for answers days after a student attack on school grounds was caught on tape. ABC 7 News first broke the story of the attack at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring.
The victim’s classmates and school community came together Thursday to talk about how this happened and how to prevent further violence.
Chaos erupted last Friday at a Kennedy High School football game when two girls attacked Temperance Maupin, apparently over an old beef they had with the senior.
The teenage victim was not seriously injured but remains emotionally rattled, feels isolated and struggles to understand why she was targeted.
“I just know that what they did was uncalled for. I just want know why they did it, honestly,” she said.
For some, the home video serves as a sobering example of out-of-control teen violence. “[It was] a surprise assault by multiple assailants,” said Cardelia Maupin, the victim’s mother. “If Kennedy had been at it’s very best than this situation would never have happened to my daughter.”
An emotional Maupin joined her mother and her school community to discuss what happened.
“I don’t think it’s a reflection of Kennedy being a bad school. I honestly think it’s a reflection of our community as a whole,” said a student.
Thomas Anderson, principal at Kennedy High School, addressed safety concerns. He said there was a delay breaking up the incident because staff members were dealing with a separate disciplinary problem elsewhere in the stadium.
“Nothing is a utopia — we know that. But we are always seeking ways to make sure we handle things in the best way,” he said.
Maupin figures the attack probably lasted only about 40 seconds but in less than a minute, she, her family and her community were changed — her mother hopes for the better.
In another development, everyone involved has agreed to meet Friday for a mediation session in order to understand why this happened and how to move forward.
And despite everything she’s been through, Maupin still believes Kennedy High is a safe place.
Source: ABC 7 News