School officials in Camden, New Jersey, told parents this week that they are investigating a series of alleged violent encounters between students at the city's high school.
At least two group fights have broken out in recent weeks, according to officials at Woodrow Wilson High School, who added that security would be increased. One of the alleged attacks was caught on video and posted on social media.
Principal Keith Miles Jr.. sent a letter home to parents, informing them about incidents that allegedly happened both inside and outside school, including at the Dudley Grange Park just across the street from the school.
"We have already met with the Central Office and will be increasing security presence for the reminder of the year. We will continue to mediate with groups that are having challenges getting along within our school and community," the principal wrote in the letter sent out Monday. "We encourage your student to talk with their teachers and school leaders if they learn of any activity that could make others unsafe."
Parents told Telemundo 62 that they believed the attacks were racially motivated.
“My son was kicked on the head. He was unconscious for four hours. I took him to Cooper (University Hospital)," said Jeannette Rivera one of the mothers whom children were hurt in the alleged “racial fights" between black and Hispanic students. “We need help from the authorities to stop this behavior, because this is terrorism."
The level of security in the school remains a concern for some parents.
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“They could get in with any type of weapons," parent Félix Cuevas said. "We have to avoid a tragedy in this city."
Principal Miles said in his letter that "in the days ahead" they would have mediators work with the families of students involved.
