Student Attack Caught on Camera: Students, Parents Rally at School
CLAREMONT, NC — Video showing a Catawba County high school student attack another student prompted an anti-bullying rally Monday night.
Dozens showed up at Bunker Hill High School to stand in solidarity with the victim. It did get a bit heated when some questioned the principal at the rally.
The video shows the student walk up behind a child sitting along in the cafeteria and punch him six times in three seconds. A fellow student recorded it on their phone, and the principal confirmed Monday that some students knew about the attack days in advance. However, they did not warn school staff.
“I was greatly shocked,” said school nurse Rachel Knighton.
Knighton showed up for the Stand for Thomas rally where parents threw questions at Principal Dr. Jeff Isenhour.
“This is not what we stand for,” said Knighton.
The cell phone video quickly spread online after the assault last Thursday.
“I believe it’s wrong for someone to sit there and take a video,” said one teacher, Angie Sigmon.
Parents questioned why no teachers stepped in, but Principal Isenhour says they did, the cell phone footage just doesn’t show that.
“We are going to call this situation on Thursday bullying, harassment, intimidation,” said Principal Isenhour. “We don’t believe that’s how you treat people in this school or in this community.”
He is working with city leaders to create an action committee.
The alumni association says Monday’s rally aims to be the first step toward learning from the issue.
“I don’t like bullying period,” said Alumna Mical Lail. “Especially my niece and nephew being here. So, I’m going to stand up, and do what I can.”
Some students are already taking a stand.
“These students here have actually surrounded this little boy, eating lunch with him and doing things with him,” said Sigmon. “Hopefully, this turns into a positive for him.”
The principal says three students have been punished so far.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office says it is still investigating.
