BOSTON — Disclaimer: The details in this story may be difficult for some readers.
DORCHESTER -- Boston schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius spoke to reporters outside the Henderson Inclusion School - where students who have disabilities learn in general education classrooms with non-disabled peers. On Wednesday one of those students attacked the principal.
“We did close today to make these plans and to have time and space in which to assure we’ll be able to return safely to school,” said Cassellius. A meeting with parents via zoom is set for 6PM on Wednesday.
Boston 25 obtained the police report documenting the violent assault on Principal Patricia Lampron on Wednesday.
The report says that victim 1 – a teacher - heard the suspect tell victim 2 – Principal Lampron, to stop following her. That’s when the suspect started punching Lampron. There are several witnesses listed including this one:
“…a Safety Service Officer stated he saw the suspect arguing with victim2 then shortly after saw the suspect strike victim 2 while pulling victim 2′s hair.”
Victim 1 told police she tried to get between the student and Lampron but was pushed away by the 16 year old student.
The report continues as another witness describes the vicious attack. “Witness 4 stated he observed victim 2 “completely knocked out” for at least 4 minutes.”
After 4 long minutes that same witness says: “...when victim 2 became conscious she did not know where she was and began crying uncontrollably.”
Mayor Janey adding: “We are not tolerating any violence in our schools. We need to make sure that our students, that our school staff can be in school and be in school safely,” said Mayor Janey.
And Erik Berg, Executive Vice President, Boston Teachers Union also released a statement saying in part:
“We support the plan to deploy additional counseling services to the Henderson and will continue to advocate for more counseling staff across all of our schools on a day-to-day basis.”
The student was charged with Assault and Battery on a Person Over 60, Assault and Battery Causing Serious Injury, and two counts of Assault and Battery on a Public Employee.
Lampron’s daughter told Boston 25 News Thursday morning that her mother had been released from the hospital and was recovering at home.
School was closed on Thursday. We’re told resources will be available for students and staff on Friday, but classes remain closed until next week.
In an interview Thursday, Mayor-elect Michelle Wu said, “You know, this is an incredibly horrific, tragic situation that’s happened and I’m reaching out to all the parties involved to keep following what’s happening there. It points to the need for us to really be investing in our young people, in our school systems, in the supports that are necessary all throughout the system. We need, particularly in this moment coming out of the pandemic, when there’s been such stress, anxiety, trauma on our families, to be putting more resources into social and emotional supports, into the wrap-around services that our schools should be providing.”
When asked if police should still be in schools, Wu responded, “No.”
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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