KENTWOOD, Mich. — East Kentwood High School officials and police are investigating after a video posted online shows a disturbing fight between a male and female student.
In the video, you can see a male student kicking a girl repeatedly in the head.
Video of the fight was shared on Facebook thousands of times but has since been removed by the original poster.
*Warning: Some viewers may find this video disturbing.
Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston sent a letter to district families and community members Thursday night addressing the situation.
Polston says in the letter that, "angry words quickly escalated into a physical altercation," between two students.
He added that both students, "had an opportunity to not engage," before things turned physical— reminding everyone that students' behaviors, "are governed both by district policies and the law."
Meanwhile, parents gathered outside the school's administration building Thursday afternoon to ask officials what the next steps will be in the investigation— Polston referenced the meeting in his letter.
Violence prevention units from Grand Rapids were also at the administration building, as a precaution.
Polston wrote that it was, "a productive and important discussion," adding that district officials will provide families with a more in-depth look at the next steps soon.
Read the full letter below:
Letter to Families Evening Aug 24, 2023 by WXMI on Scribd
It’s still unclear what exactly led to the fight.
In a statement Thursday, East Kentwood High School called the fight “disturbing and unacceptable.”
The school says the fight is being investigated in partnership with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the school resource officer and the Kentwood Safety Department.
Read the full letter below:
East Kentwood Letter to Families August 24 2023 (1) by WXMI on Scribd
Kentwood Public Schools' director of public safety released the following statement:
"I can't sit and comment on what that situation was because it is an active law enforcement investigation."
** As a reminder, if students feel unsafe at school, help is available through the OK2SAY Michigan Student Safety Program. You can report tips confidentially by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729), texting OK2SAY (652729) or emailing OK2SAY@mi.gov. **
