NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A parent is upset about security at a Newport News high school after several fights have broken out in recent days.
According to a school division spokeswoman, several students fought at Menchville High School on Thursday after a pep rally in the school's gym. The school's security officers and administrators broke up the fight.
Newport News Police say that after an investigation, charges were obtained against four students regarding the incident. 3 minors and 1 adult offender were charged with assault by mob. One student who is 18 years old was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and a protective order was issued on behalf of the victim.
One parent said her daughter watched the fight unfold.
"My daughter told me she and her friends were talking about it throughout the day yesterday, so I was also getting text messages throughout the day and pictures and videos as it was happening," said the parent, who did not want to be identified.
The school notified the parents of the altercation and that no one was hurt. On Friday morning, another fight broke out. A spokeswoman with the division said that school administrators responded quickly, and again no one was hurt.
However, this parent questions safety at the school.
"I just feel like you send your students out to learn and to be in an environment where it is safe, and I have absolutely no confidence in Newport News Public School District or Menchville High School," the parent said of Menchville High School.
The parent said she moved her family and bought a home in the area so her children could attend high school; now, after the fights, she believes a larger conversation about violence needs to happen soon.
"They made the students move towards transparent backpacks, metal detectors, and things. I think the conversation needs to happen. We can start at home, and the school needs to take a bottom line."
A spokeswoman with the school division said all Newport News Public Schools have weapon detection systems. All students and visitors proceed through the detection systems upon school entry every day.
The spokeswoman also said the students involved in the incident faced serious consequences and that an investigation was underway.