UPDATE: School officials address alleged assault at Kent Island High School; investigation ongoing
Queen Anne's County school officials send letter to parents after an alleged assault remains under investigation. Authorities say the incident happened on Friday at Kent Island High School.
Deputies say on Sunday, they received information that one student was assaulted by several others in the school's locker room and it was recorded on a cell phone video by a student. WMAR reports that the video shows the boys appearing to be wrestling aggressively with the student. At the end of the recorded video, one of the students took his pants down and put his private parts in the student's face, the ABC affiliate reports.
On Wednesday morning, the Queen Anne's County Board of Education says the letter below from QACPS Superintendent Dr. Andrea Kane "will be sent to our parents and caregivers:"
"Dear Parents and Caregivers,
A great deal of information is circulating regarding an incident that occurred at Kent Island High School on Friday, April 13th. Administrators were made aware of a video that contained images of one of our Kent Island High School students being subjected to inappropriate and unacceptable acts by peers. Procedures that are outlined in the QACPS Discipline Code were followed and we continue to thoroughly investigate the incident. We have been and are continuing to offer support to the student and his family. We have met with our partners in the Sheriff's office and the State's Attorney, Lance Richardson. Mr. Richardson and the Sheriff's office will continue to investigate the incident in addition to the school district. We have discussed the handling of this case, as well as similar cases should they occur in the future.
Amid the myriad social media posts, emails, and opinions regarding this incident, please understand that this office does not condone unacceptable behavior demonstrated by students or employees. Acts of bullying, harassment, intimidation or hazing will receive the appropriate consequence as guided by district policy. Additionally, students who engage in acts of bullying, harassment, or intimidation by any method, including electronic communication (cell phone, computer, etc.), will receive the appropriate consequence.
Student safety continues to be the paramount priority. You are encouraged to closely monitor your child's digital devices, social media accounts, and extra-curricular activities. We will continue to investigate this incident and do all that we can to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
In Service,
Andrea M. Kane, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools"
The Sheriff's office is currently working with the State's Attorney's Office during the ongoing investigation. Authorities say the States Attorney will be consulting with the victim's family to determine the conclusion of the incident pending a complete investigation.
