Football brawl: Ann Arbor schools will ask prosecutor to drop charges against 3 teens
Players fight in a post-game brawl at Pioneer High School on Oct. 12, 2012.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
Previous coverage:
- Ann Arbor school board to consider resolution in support of students charged in football brawl
- Football brawl fallout: Some allege prejudice in charging of students
- Group supporting high-schoolers charged in football brawl organizes public marches downtown
- Video footage from Huron-Pioneer football brawl released by Ann Arbor police
The Ann Arbor Board of Education passed a resolution Wednesday night asking County Prosecutor Brian Mackie to drop the criminal charges against the three Pioneer High School students involved in the October football brawl.
Susan Baskett
"We ask that our students, when required to be accountable through the judicial system and thereby learn from their mistakes, be treated with compassion, fairness, equity, efficacy and respect for their ability to learn," the resolution states.
"We therefore recommend that Prosecuting Attorney Brian Mackie consider the best interests of the injured student, the students criminally charged and the community by re-evaluating the degree of criminalization of adolescent behaviors that may be better resolved through a greater emphasis on educational and developmentally appropriate measures relative to harsh charges and convictions."
The idea of a resolution was first brought up at the Feb. 27 school board meeting after a handful of community members spoke out in support of the three students who have been charged in the brawl, which occurred Oct. 12 between the Huron and Pioneer football teams after a heated exchange among coaches.
The community members alleged the students are being treated unfairly because they're black. They said the escalation of this fight to the court system is an example of the over-criminalization and over-charging of young African American males that exists in today's society.
Trustees Andy Thomas and Irene Patalan originally had "grave concerns" about the board passing a resolution and getting involved in what has become a legal matter. Both made minor suggestions for slightly altering the language of the resolution, which the board approved.
Thomas said he tried to listen with an open mind to the community's concerns, both during public comment on Feb. 27 and earlier Wednesday evening, asking the board to take action.
"I tried very hard to get to the point where I felt I could support a resolution such as this," he said.
"I, too, wanted to keep an open mind, knowing that the board wanted to bring forth this resolution," Patalan said. "I read this with an eye as being true of every student that we have. And with that eye, I was very happy with how this reads."
Trustee Glenn Nelson thanked Baskett for her "careful and thoughtful work" on the resolution.
"I'm happy to vote for it," he said.
Baskett said she talked to the community members who spoke at the Feb. 27 meeting prior to drafting the resolution and asked for their suggestions of what it should say.
Thomas added he wanted to clarify one thing and that is that the school district did not in any way make a referral of charges to police.
"The district played no part whatsoever in pursuing or suggesting or in any way stimulating the pressing of charges," he said, adding the police who were present at the football game filed a police report and followed their procedures just as they would with any incident outside of the school district.
Trustee Simone Lightfoot said while the district may not have initiated the charges, it did not attempt to mitigate them either.
"We did not make it clear to the penal system where we felt it should stay," she said, adding it should have stayed a school issue.
Read the complete resolution:
Resolution Requesting Compassion and Fair Treatment for All Involved in the Football Brawl Incident of October 12, 2012WHEREAS, the mission of the Ann Arbor Public Schools is to ensure each student realizes his or her aspirations while advancing the common good, by creating a world-class system of innovative teaching and learning, and
WHEREAS, we consider all of our sponsored activities part of the educational environment, and
WHEREAS, we expect each student to demonstrate concern for self and others and
WHEREAS, the incident on October 12, 2012, commonly known as the 'football brawl,' resulted in the documented injury of one student and three students being criminally charged, and
WHEREAS, brain development of judgment, wisdom and logic is still developing, meaning adolescents are particularly subject to lasting harm from trauma and also particularly able to learn from mistakes, and
WHEREAS, we as a school district, take responsibility of helping everyone (students and adults) deal with trauma and learn from mistakes occurring in the educational environment from a developmentally appropriate standpoint, and
WHEREAS, the Huron High School Athletic Director and at least one Board of Education trustee, followed up with the injured player and his family with expressions of concern and offers of help, and
WHEREAS, the Ann Arbor Public Schools has done its investigation and taken disciplinary actions against adults and students, and
WHEREAS, we embrace the legitimate prosecutorial concerns about victims' rights and public safety, and
WHEREAS, the Prosecuting Attorney has considerable discretion in prosecutorial decisions, and
WHEREAS, we understand a criminal conviction can greatly harm a student's future, for example, negatively affect his or her ability to obtain school loans, be accepted into some school programs, advance in a career, and obtain licensing in some employment areas.
THEREFORE, we ask that our students, when required to be accountable through the judicial system and thereby learn from their mistakes, be treated with compassion, fairness, equity, efficacy, and respect for their ability to learn, and
WE THEREFORE RECOMMEND that the Prosecuting Attorney, Brian Mackie, consider the best interests of the injured student, the students criminally charged and the community by re-evaluating the degree of criminalization of adolescent behaviors that may be better resolved through a greater emphasis on educational and developmentally appropriate measures relative to harsh charges and convictions.
Below is a video recording of the incident that prompted the charges. It was published on Dec. 18.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
Widow Wadman
Wed, Mar 20, 2013 : 3:53 a.m.
Mr. Mackie, thank you for your efforts. I'm disgusted by the actions of the Board of Education. These teens need to be punished for their actions.
thecompound
Sun, Mar 17, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
Steubenville, Ohio is lucky this is not their school board!
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Mar 16, 2013 : 3:32 a.m.
So where is the sympathy for the kid who was allegedly feloniously assaulted with a crutch? What about him? When does he get justice?
ViSHa
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
As an AAPS parent, I am truly ASHAMED this group represents our district. I will remember this at any future voting and anytime the schools/pto's have their hand out for ANYTHING. One bad decision after another. If it wasn't for the fact that their actions affect our kids....it would almost be laughable.
aataxpayer
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 3:51 a.m.
After watching the video it seems to me that the student were behaving well until the adult coaches started brawling. The adults messed up and the kids responding in a predictable way. The AAPS responded slowly and poorly, so Mackie felt compelled to act. The adults, the coaches and the administration messed up royalty. WHEREAS we failed to do our jobs. WHEREAS we put the prosecutor in a tough position. WHEREAS we disrespected the injured victim. RESOLVED We should have high expectations for all students and even higher expectations for staff and the APPS shall accept responsibility for this mess and pray that the judge helps clean up our mess.
Frustrated in A2
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 2:54 a.m.
I wonder if I assault someone with a weapon will the AAPS School Board come to my rescue with their cape blowing in the wind???
Thoughtful
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 12:02 a.m.
I'm disgusted. Looking at private and charter schools now...the BOE is just pathetic. Since when are they judge and jury?
Thoughtful
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:50 p.m.
So what they are setting themselves up for, is if a white kid in any AAPS has any charges brought against them in the future for fighting, they won't be able to press charges, or they WILL get sued for reverse discrimination. Cowards.
Jimmyc
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:59 p.m.
I am not even sure where to start. First the board has zero legal standing in this issue. Second, there are students who were injured and students who did the injuring. To choose sides is to create a winner and a loser in this situation. How unfortunate that the board can't find a way to stand behind all of its students. Hopefully, Brian Mackie has more sense than this board does collectively and he completely ignores the resolution.
Sam S Smith
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 4:47 a.m.
I hope that the board doesn't stand behind students who do violent acts! There should be a no tolerance for violent behavior!
Debbie Harris
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:34 p.m.
Pictures Don't Lie. The Victim Is At The Bottom Of The Pile In The Picture Above. The Only People Around Are Pioneer Players And The Huron Coach Who Was Finally Able To Pull Him Up Off The Ground. Most Of The Players / People In The Picture Are Not engaged In Any Altercation.....Hence, They Were Not Charged. Enlarge The Picture, The Black Jersey At The Bottom is The Victim Who Was Kicked More Than Once In The Face. AAPD Were Able To Enlarge The Original For This Picture And Obtain Evidence. Aa.Com .....Please Post The Other Picture That Was Never Published Locally, But Appeared In An Out Of State Newspaper. That Picture Shows Will Harris Falling To The Ground, Taken Just Prior To The Above Picture.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 12:58 a.m.
Debbie; I love your posts, but what's up with the caps thing? Very hard to read.
jpud
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
Will Harris should hire a lawyer and seek civil damages from the school for failing to protect him from a hate crime. Justice for Will!
East Side Dad
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.
I agree with the earlier comments that question why a board is meddling in this while the decline of the district continues. Please focus on addressing our financial challenges.
thecompound
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:19 p.m.
Hear that Class of 2013? Go nuts this year with your pranks, as long as its on school property during school events.....if charges are brought up against you, the BOE will intervene.
a2citizen
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
Have any of the students been suspended by the school district yet? In an earlier article Liz Margolis was quoted by a2.com as saying: "...District spokeswoman Liz Margolis said Tuesday afternoon school officials had not been notified of the charges. She said she would look into how the district may handle the situation if the student is convicted, but cautioned Garain only has been accused of a crime at this point. She said Garain has the right to go to school, "provided there were no potential issues at the school building that resulted in the charges..." Good thing Garain is only accused of beating a guy with an aluminum crutch. Had he went on a scavenger hunt and vandalized the school, but not convicted of anything, he would have certainly been suspended. That's what happened to Pioneer seniors a couple summers ago. Since race has been injected into the discussion, what race were the suspended students from the scavenger hunt? A2 school officials sure have a warped sense of justice. In 2011, about 250 seniors took part in the tradition. It resulted in $2,800 in damage to two rival Ann Arbor high schools and 31 suspensions. http://www.annarbor.com/news/football-brawl-pioneer-student-charged-with-four-felonies/ http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-pioneers-scavenger-hunt-a-possible-no-go-for-2012-seniors/
Crystal C
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.
How sad that the majority of you have really missed the boat on this. Even sadder still, is how your comments depict Ann Arbor as a place that turns their back on our youth when they need us most. THANK YOU ANN ARBOR SCHOOL BOARD for taking action to try and keep these students out of the criminal system. Thank you for doing the right thing for our youth and for our community. These students have already been punished by the district and it's nice to know that the school board will not stand by idly as this escalates to a criminal level. Again, thank you.
Sam S Smith
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 4:43 a.m.
Did you see the swing of the crutch against another player on the ground? Thank God the ref pulled that young man away! Yes the adults may have started it--then ask for them to be prosecuted as well. But there is no way that the crutch swinger should get off free on that! While I accept different opinions I am becoming totally saddened by the tolerance of this violent behavior which did not even involve this crutch swinger to begin with! This young man needs to man up, take responsibility for his own actions and face the consequences! Stop blaming others! No one had a gun to this young man's head to swing the crutch like he did to someone who was on the ground already and he sure could have done great damage to another with that crutch, possibly even kill someone!
A2Girl63
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:15 p.m.
@Crystal C your opinon supports the problems with the youth of today. If you do the crime you must pay the consequences. If this had happened in the parking lot would you have the same opinion and expect the BOE to act on that too? A responsibile parent will teach their children responsibility and accountability for their actions. This is not a place for the BOE, the law was broken, a crutch was used as a weapon, period.
a2citizen
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:10 p.m.
How were the students punished? Please provide a link.
swimthis
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
were they expelled? why not? the AAPS student handbook clearly defines assault and the use of weapons. it escalated to the level it did because those students chose to pick up a crutch and use it as a weapon. the students have no one to blame but themselves. the other students did not make that choice therefore did not face prosecution. what AAPS is doing is teaching all the kids that it's okay to beat each other with objects on school property during a school event because the BOE will intervene and get you off the hook.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.
The message the Ann Arbor BOE has sent os that violence will be tolerated. We should be happy and relieved that the young man who was hit and kicked did not end up paralyzed or brain injured!
Danai
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 7:32 p.m.
But genetracy, what you describe is not a reverse scenario. The fight/brawl in this case was not just the case of players attacking players. Adults were involved and not just any adults off the street but the coaches. Their actions precipitated the incident and I think that makes a difference. That doesn't mean the students shouldn't face any consequences for their actions.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:18 p.m.
And this wasn't a "race" crime but it is still a crime and therefore this should be treated as a crime. If anyone is upset that the adults got off, maybe they can start a petition to the prosecutor about the adults. But to use that fact about the adults as a reason to drop the charge for the students--that does not compute!
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:30 p.m.
I love how the kid with the crutch hands one of his pair off to a team mate to use as a club and then proceeds to start clubbing with his remaining crutch. Look at 0:46 seconds. But, yep, purely racially motivated prosecution. The kid did nothing wrong.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 2 a.m.
You will also notice how he has his hood tied tight, hoping to hide his identity from cameras. He knew full well what he was doing was wrong. The nest thing for this kid's future is to be held accountable for his actions now. It will give him the opportunity to turn his life around before it's too late. I hope he takes that opportunity.
swimthis
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
thank you! I wish more people would actually watch the video before they jump on the bandwagon.
genetracy
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
Let us reverse the scenario. After a football game, a group of white players assault two black players. One gets kicked in the face. the local police department conduct a full investigation and arrests are made. However, the parents of the white students arrested pettiton the local school board to lessen or drop the charges. The school board agrees and votes unanymously to do so. Can you imagine the uproar on a national scale? Every major news outlet arriving in Ann Anrbor with the white house and DOJ also involved?
Sam S Smith
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 4:55 a.m.
Robert E., I guess I don't understand what you are referring to what post. So it's OK to drop the charges if the victim is the same "race"? I don't think so!
Robert E.
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.
Obviously Sammy Smith you didnt read GT post...
jpud
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:27 p.m.
Unfortunately, the fact that he is black does not mean the attack was not racially motivated. Nor does it mean the folks backing the attackers are not racist against Will Harris. Darker skinned african americans taunt lighter skinned african americans with the chant "hey white boy" all the time. Whites do not have a monopoly on racism. Notice all the adults lined up against Will are darker skinned than him. Clear racism!
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
Precisely Robert E. so why make it racial?
Robert E.
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
The kid who got kicked in the face is black not white...
Stephen Landes
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
This is an example of what is wrong with our educational system -- no one is accountable for anything. If these students committed an act of violence they should be held accountable in a court of law. This is not a breach of some sort of "decorum" standard, but a physical assault. Being a student and committing assault on a playing field does not insulate one from the consequences of violating the law. The School Board should be ashamed for demonstrating their inability to communicate a real respect for law and society to students.
Basic Bob
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:12 p.m.
Another useless resolution for the IGNORE pile.
C. Montgomery Burns
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
...sorry, too many "not"'s in the first sentence in the previous post. I shouldn't type angry!
CDW
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
Again, they were under the supervision of the coaches. The coaches were the role models here. Clearly they didn't prove to be good ones. If the coaches aren't charged, then the students shouldn't be. Had the coaches conducted themselves in an appropriate, respectful fashion the students wouldn't have acted out of character on the field of a "team" sport. (I'm sure it wasn't there first time on a team sport throughout their high school careers.) The adults, unquestionably, are at fault here. I sure hope they are down at the prosecuting attorney advocating this! I'm a high school educator and former coach; I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I'd been involved in a similar situation, especially knowing my actions/ill choice of words precipitated it.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
The coaches did nothing illegal. Exactly what would you want them charged with? (and don't try the "inciting a riot" garbage"
thecompound
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:23 p.m.
The game was over. Do the coaches need to be responsible for them until they are tucked in bed with their blankies?
swimthis
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
The coaches were not charged because they did not pick up a crutch and beat the heck out of each other with it. The prosecutor had nothing to charge the coaches with. I agree the coaches made many errors that day and clearly both programs need a complete overhaul which I believe is in the works. I would be pretty disgusted as well if I found myself in the middle of anything like this. However, at the end of the day where is personal responsibility? If a kid walks into a classroom with a gun and uses it because the teacher is pro-gun, does that excuse the kid's behavior? Absolutely without a doubt heck NO. When you make the conscious choice to pull your hoodie over your face to shield your identity, then proceed to beat the heck out of another person you cannot blame it on your coaches. The blame falls directly where it should and that is with the kids who chose to do what they did.
kris
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:55 p.m.
I hear what you're saying CDW. I, along with many others, am disturbed that the coaches seem to have emerged from this relatively unscathed (both did resign their positions...who really knows if they were pressured to, although I imagine that was the case). I also feel that it was the coaches who are responsible for starting the brawl, however.....it was the students who wielded crutches as a weapon and stomped on a kid's face with cleats. Look at the video! One of the referees tried really hard to restrain the kid with the crutch...who knows how bad this could have been if he hadn't
C. Montgomery Burns
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
Excuse me, but I do not think the school board should not get involved in police or prosecutorial matters, nor should they show more or less concern for one student's or a group of student's interest over another. They have an obligation to remain neutral in a situation such as this and just do the jobs they were given. I'm not a litigious person, however, after the school board pulled this stunt, if I were the Harris family I'd be finding the best lawyer I could.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.
Remaining neutral to violence is condoning it. BOE should take a stand against violence.
kathy coles
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
It is good to know that if my son were to bring a knife, gun or a crutch to school and start swinging it around or kicks someone in the face that he will have no consequences for his actions. But wait, that would never happen because he is a blonde hair blue eyed white male, so the school board wouldn't care about him. Of course this would never happen because his parents have taught him the difference between right and wrong, and he has suffered consequences from us when he did do something wrong And if he ever did something like this his punishment from us, as his parents, would not be to baby him and tell him oh it was just because of your age you did this. At 16 he is mature enough to make the correct decision, just as he did the night of the football game when he walked away from everything going on and at that time he was only 15.
thecompound
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
This is the new pattern of the BOE.
Arborcomment
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:09 p.m.
Memo to: School Board From: Prosecuting Attorney Subject: Recent Resolution What part of the words "brawl" and "assault" don't you understand? Butt out. Thank you.
Therese
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
I can not improve upon the the words that were written before me. I can start attending the school board meetings and look these trustees in the eye - even if it means blurry eyes at 1 am. This can not continue unchecked.
COME ON PEOPLE
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Make them accountable for their actions. Maybe a little community service will help them understand compassion for others. But it sounds to me as the Ann Arbor Schools are just looking to protect their football players. I would like to hear what the victim has to say about this. What BS:( lets play the race card) -"The community members alleged the students are being treated unfairly because they're black. They said the escalation of this fight to the court system is an example of the over-criminalization and over-charging of young African American males that exists in today's society." They should be ashamed of even saying such a thing. This is ann arbor.... a very deverse community. They know what they did was wrong and this is the best they can come up with. Did any of these foodball players use the word " sorry "or say how they are accountable for there actions. THEY HAVE LEARNED NOTHING.... now we have a bunch of adults acting like children themselves.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
The escalation was caused by the kid who decided to use a weapon. nobody else did that - it was his action.
thecompound
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.
I hope he has been taking screen shots of any on-line harassment!
Disgusted Former AAPS Student
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
What is Huron doing to protect the harassment, nothing. It's being done through social networking, through word of mouth, through countless hours of passing rumors. It's totally un-fair. The victim, on the other hand, hasn't said a word. He has been the bigger person in this undoubtedly. And he will get his justice.
COME ON PEOPLE
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
That is very sad to hear. What is the school doing to protect him from all this harrasment. Sounds like Ann Arbor Schools need to be held accountable.
Disgusted Former AAPS Student
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
The Victim is bi-racial, African American and Caucasian, to be exact. Do you see HIS parents or HIM pulling the race card saying he's not being given a fair trial because he's black!??!! No. You don't. I have friends that have siblings that go to school with the victim and you know what they've said? He's being tormented with this whole situation. Kids are being very, VERY cruel. No, there have not been any apologies, and I'm right there with you, there's been ZERO accountability for their actions. Mommy and Daddy are trying to save them, instead of holding them responsible. If the victim had committed this crime, I'm CERTAIN his parents would have held him fully accountable.
Disgusted Former AAPS Student
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Okay. You have got to be kidding me. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a former student of Huron High School, I am completely appalled by the reactions of local parents, the school board, the super intendants, and the peanut gallery that has NOTHING to do with this incident. Let's just say this happened off school grounds, say, downtown Ann Arbor on a Friday night. There would be no room for negotiation, or reconciliation, or a PLEA to drop charges. The three culprits involved in this case would have been slapped with a charge THAT NIGHT and faced with the consequences of assault and battery. Let's face it, the BOE doesn't care about their students,, or their reputation. They care about the money they will lose and the impact losing these three students will have on their bottom line. Also, let's not forget the VICTIM in all of this. A BI-RACIAL male that pours his whole heart and soul into football. Who was raised by parents that have enforced CONSEQUENCES and MORALS. Crazy, right? But now this is not an issue of person but an issue of RACE?!?! IT'S 2013!!!!!!!!!! Get real people. We live in one of the most diverse cities in this state. Don't be so ignorant! Imagine the reaction those kids would have had if the victim had been raised by THEIR parents! Someone would have been killed. This would not have stopped on the football field, it would have carried onto the streets. My heart goes out to the Harris family. May the odds be ever in your favor.
swimthis
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
I agree off school grounds this would be a non-issue. This occurred on school grounds and the perps were never expelled. Per the AAPS student handbook what took place would be considered assault with a deadly weapon. Something stinks in all of this. In all the articles rarely any concern about the victim or what he and his family have gone through. Is that not newsworthy or is that they aren't screaming loud enough and creating petitions? After viewing the video back when it was first posted it was pretty darn obvious why the prosecutor's office filed charges.
COME ON PEOPLE
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
Amen..... You hit the nail on the head!!!
Morty Seinfeld
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Arrest the entire school board for prosecutorial interference!
nowayjose
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
I wonder what the school board would say if a student came in and hot them with a crutch during their meeting. I'll bet it wouldn't be all hugs.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
The BOE wants to let students who actually commit an assault off without a charge. However, let one of them nibble a Pop Tart into the shape of a gun and they will demand severe punishment!
nowayjose
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
Hit them, not hot
Joe Summers
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
No one is saying don't hold the kids accountable. What they did is unacceptable as were many of the actions of others. The question is why only these three kids were charged. The questions is whether their actions merit felony charges--the kind of charges that can be a severe barrier the rest of your life. The school board needs to be concerned with their welfare of all the children under its oversight--both the victim of this assault and the youth who were involved in the assault. I would suggest that those who think criminalizing all such behavior is the best way to make our schools and society safer might want to read the book "The New Jim Crow." It graphically illustrates the horrendous results of our society's making incarceration the solution to a myriad of social, personal, and psychological ills.
Sam S Smith
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 5:13 a.m.
Using the book "The New Jim Crow" in this instance is mindboggling and inappropriate! So you're saying it's OK if a crime is committed against someone of the same "race?" It's OK to enable or be a cheerleader for bad behavior? If people were really and truly concerned about the welfare of the youth involved in the assault they would let this youth man up, take responsibility for his own actions, quit blaming everyone else and face the consequences.
COME ON PEOPLE
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
once again the race card. They will not end up incarcerated, These kids will Plea down in court and end up with a misdemeanor and possible if they complete their probation without a problem they will take right off their record. But through the process they might learn it was not worth it. This is not a issure of race it a issue a wrong doing. I feel they need to learn from there mistakes. What was the punishment at home and in the school. There level of sportsmanship is so low , they should no longer be allowed to play football in highschool.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
You are looking at this issue and making it about "race." This is a legal issue. Yes, there were more involved who unfortunately did not face consequences. However, that fact does not exonerate the violence from these football players.
Disgusted Former AAPS Student
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
A crutch is considered a "deadly weapon" therefore is punishable with a FELONY charge If you throw your KEYS at someone ,it is a FELONY charge. They are considered a deadly weapon. Yes, they absolutely deserve a felony charge. If it were anyone else that was not a STUDENT in HIGH SCHOOL, there would be NO questions. Are people even aware of the capabilities of 16 year old boys these days??? We have children KILLING children. We have children BEATING UP other children. Not because they're young and ignorant, because they're old enough to make a conscious decision to put someone else's life in jeopardy. If a twelve year old kills another person they are tried as an adult. GET REAL.
Howard Beale
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:22 p.m.
"So I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell, 'I'M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!' I want you to get up right now, sit up, go to your windows, open them and stick your head out and yell - 'I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!' Things have got to change. But first, you've gotta get mad!... You've got to say, 'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!' "
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
Add me to the list of folks who think the Board is overstepping their bounds. What they should have been doing all along is asking what they can do as a board to downplay the over the top "exuberance" around high school sports rivalry's. They should do their own job instead of telling some one else how to do some one else's job.
Piledriver
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
This is what happens when enough sensible people don't bother to show and vote in school board elections...I'll tell you what, it's time to show up in record numbers to the next group of elections and vote in people who are only concerned about providing the best education possible for our children, in the safest and nurturing environment possible, and with the sense to spend our money wisely. It's time to leave personal and social agenda's outside of the Ballas Administration Building. It's time to take back our school district from these idiots!
Robert Granville
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
Finally, some sensibility.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
That Ann Arbor promoting video will be considered a joke. No parent in their right mind would want their child going to Ann Arbor schools if there are no consequences for violent behaviors. And if one thinks this isn't getting around to other areas perhaps even in the country especially with all of the shootings, they are wrong! If it were my son who did this, he would have to man up and accept the consequences. Too many wrong messages are sent from this inappropriate action by the Ann Arbor BOE.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
The charter schools will be thanking the Ann Arbor BOE for another reason to go there! Plus this could affect future millages for the Ann Arbor schools who are not living up to sound and safe educational standards.
Piledriver
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
I guess we can all start referring to this as "The Baskett Case" which is quite fitting, considering who's involved.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
I love it. Well done.
A2Girl63
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
The BOE wants to give these students a free pass for their actions. This is the problem with our society, no one will take responsibility for their actions. Shame on the BOE for bending under pressure from the AAAA. You are sending a message this is acceptable behavior, which is is not. They would have been better off sending a message the coaches, the AD's and the schools administration for their lack of responsibitily in the matter. Hopefully, the Prosecuter will continue with the charges based upon the evidence.
jellenc
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Is it really the right thing to do to give these three boys a felony record that will follow them into adulthood and jeopardize their ability to get a job, get into a quality institution of higher education, etc. What is the consequence for that? Obviously what they did was wrong. Punishment should be given but a felony is above and beyond.
Kyle Feldscher
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
Just an FYI, the one student who has been found responsible for a crime was found responsible on a misdemeanor.
Robert Granville
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
Precisely. Most people don't realize how much giving young people irreversible felonies affects the entire population. Lost productivity, tax revenue, higher recidivism rates, etc
Angry Moderate
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
Toilet papering a house is "adolescent behavior." Attacking people with a weapon is not. I would not put a child in the AAPS knowing that they don't care about protecting students from violence (as long as the perpetrator is the right color). I thought we had a zero tolerance policy for violence?
dotdash
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Where does the principal of Pioneer stand on this resolution? (who as principal then?) As the primary administrator in charge of these students, I'm more interested in his/her assessment than the political-minded assessment of the BOE.
ViSHa
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
BOE keeps a tight muzzle when there is scandal, just ask the Dicken teachers.
a2roots
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
The BOE needs to be broomed. Another example of their lack of stewardship. Behavior is absolutely awful in the schools and to give a free pass on this incident will compound the problem.
Jack Gladney
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Imagine if the story was: School Board asks prosecutor to drop charges against teacher accused of molestation. When behavior crosses in to the realm of criminality, the board should butt out and let law enforcement and the courts deal with it. Stick to worrying about educating the kids who want an education.
ViSHa
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
Okay, here is a perspective. One student is attacked in say, the lunchroom by two students. If that person decided to press charges, the BOE would then need to ask those charges to be dropped also, right? Or if sex is going on in the courtyard during the school day and the girl's family decides to press charges? The BOE would need to ask for those charges to be dropped also. Fair is fair, right???
Robert E.
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
Wow you really have no.perspective...equating this with child.molestation...so sad...
Debbie Harris
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
"WHEREAS, the Huron High School Athletic Director and at least one Board of Education trustee, followed up with the injured player and his family with expressions of concern and offers of help, and..." FALSE. Absolutely False. Trustee Basket Is Referring To An Email I Sent Her On Dec 19 (2Months After Incident) Thanking Her For Her Persistence In Requesting To See The Districts Reports On ThIs. She Did Reply To My Email .... Wanting To Meet Privately Away From Other Board Members. I Soon Discovered She Was Already Involved With The "Supporters" For The Accused And Felt It Was An Inappropriate Request. There Was Never Any Offer Of Help. She Was Merely Fishing For Information From Us For Her Personal Involvement In Their Cause. I Watched This meeting Last Night And Was Shocked And Hurt To recognize Trustee Basket From One Of The Previous Court Hearings Where My Son Had received A subpoena To TestifY. She Was Wearing A Pioneer Sweatshirt And Sitting Proudly With The Accused Young Mans Family And The Same Group Of People That Verbally Harassed My Son In The Hallway And Called Another Witnesses "Uncle Tom." That Is Who She Chooses To Represent And Support. She Never Tried To Speak To Us, Never Offered Support, Was Clearly Only There In Support Of The Accused. She May Have That Right, But It Definitely Feels Like A Conflict Of Interest For Our BOE To Behave Like this. It Feels Like A Betrayal And Slap In The Face.
ViSHa
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
@ concerned (not very fitting). you have no right to tell Ms. Harris how she should feel or act unless one of your children had a cleat stomped on their face while they were in AAPS!! Did that happened?? Matters were handled through the school?? What matters?? Were your children on the receiving end of these "matters" or were they doling out these "matters"?? It makes a big difference. And then passive/aggressive threats? "i was taught to be careful". Wow. Just wow!!!
swimthis
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 8:19 p.m.
"my Voice May Shake, But I Won't Remain Quiet." Thank you Ms. Harris in advocating for your child. There needs to be more outrage about why there was so little concern for the victim and why AAPS allowed the perps to remain in school when the rules clearly state otherwise. And in the midst of a budget crisis why is the BOE even involved in this? I agree with others, find a lawyer and fight for the rights of your child. I'm sick and tired of the victims' rights always being over looked and dismissed.
towncryer
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
Please sue the AAPS.
Debbie Harris
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:58 p.m.
This Board Does Not Speak For Or Represent My Child, Obviously. I Make No Accusations, I Have Merely Given My Opinion And My Experience, As This HaS Been A Part Of Our Life Now For Five Months. And To "Concerned".....Revenge Is Not In My Heart. If You Can State One Thing I Have Said That Is Inaccurate, Go For It. I Would Be Very Interested In Hearing. My conscience Is Clear, I Have Spoken The Truth And Kept Quiet When I Felt It Would Be Detrimental To Those Directly Involved... The Juveniles Charged And My Son. My Family Has Faced Consequences Since The Weekend This Happened...Our Ties Were Slashed The Morning After The Article Appeared In The News. And Please Don't Mistake My Disappointment And Hurt For anger. I Was Taught To Speak The Truth And Stand Up For What I Believe. my Voice May Shake, But I Won't Remain Quiet.
Disgusted Former AAPS Student
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
Mrs. Harris, After all the tormenting, and your son having to go to school and deal with the harassment, and your family being accused of victimizing yourselves, I commend your strength and courage through all this. It is a situation that can truly ONLY be understood by the victims-therefor no one can tell you what will bring justice. I can't imagine being a parent and having to face the people that were supposed to protect my child from harm as they look you in the face and tell you these kids don't deserve these consequences. Just know that there are sane, understanding, caring, genuine people out there who support you and your family 100% on this. My heart goes out to your son. I can't imagine how this must make him feel. If only people were more considerate of that instead of getting these guys off easy so that they can hurt someone else. Lessons are not learned by ignoring them. I have total faith that you guys will prevail. Stay strong! -Reality
Debbie Harris
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
Let Me Be Clear, I Was Told In December By An Aaps School Employee That This Group Was Forming And One Of The Names Spoken At That Time Was Ms Baskett. This Information Appears To Have Been Proven True, As Trustee Baskett Is Leading Thus Resolution, Appearing In court, And Did In Fact Ask to Meet With Us Over Christmas Break. It Is My Opinion That Her Intentions Were Not In Our Best Interest. her Resolution Surely I'd Not In My Sons Best Interest. How dare This Board State That It I'd In The Best Interest Of The Victim
Sammy Dog
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
Do you have PROOF that Ms. Baskett was indeed involved in the cases when she asked to speak with you? You are making some serious allegations here. Ms. Baskett has always been one of the most approachable school board members.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
Ms. Harris All I can say is Wow -- that is NOT how you should be treated by an elected official who is supposed to be representing the interests of all students, their families, and tax payers.
concerned
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
Ms. Harris, Although we all get angry when our children get hurt, I do not believe the level of these charges fit the crime. I assume most of these commenters know little about the facts. I personally put three children through AAPS, none without incident. Matters were handled within the school, and it always worked out for the best. I personally choose not to make it harder for my child or the other students involved. In your comments you make a lot of accusations as if their absolute fact. I was always taught be careful what you put out publicly unless you are absolutely sure of what you say. I was there, and some of your facts are not quite accurate. It is said that 'Revenge is not strength, and Empathy is not a weakness.
Sam S Smith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
Maybe there should be a lawsuit here?
Chester Drawers
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
I am outraged by the treatment you received from Baskett and the lack of concern for the welfare of your son by AAPS administration and/or the rest of the BOE. At least Baskett's motives are pretty transparent. The rest of these folks are obviously engaged in a huge cluster-CYA. No compassion, no backbone, and absolutely no ethics or show of character. We let these gutless wonders run our school district?
Angry Moderate
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
You may as well just send your son to a charter school now. Nobody at AAPS will give a crap about him until it affects their budget.
genetracy
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:35 p.m.
So what is next? Will the "Save Our Babies" crowd stage a riot if Mackey does not drop the charges?
thecompound
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.
I hope all that are angry send a note to the prosecutor to NOT drop charges. I know I am.
craigjjs
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
The School Board obviously and knowingly sent the message to its students that it will do everything in its power to protect them from any consequences of a criminal act. I wonder if they knew they were also sending a message to students who are victimized by those committing criminal acts that they should not look to the School Board or the Criminal Justice system for justice and obtain justice in any manner they can. Who will accept responsibility for the ramifications of that message? The School Board doesn't seem to be big on accepting responsibility and is unlikely to step up.
LindaJ
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
Shame on the School Board.
local
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
I also wonder if this would be taking place if it was one of the board members kids who were being beaten with a crutch, or kicked in the face with a kid wearing cleats and it was on video. Just wondering!!
Jim Mulchay
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
It is interesting to compare this "resolution" with no real substance in it with the specific suggestions of the AAAA group referenced in the "Ann Arbor principals union..." article. What would have been the result if this had happened at noon, the cafeteria and the police had been called in? What would have happened if the AAPS, police, prosecutor and the injured parties met in October to try to find a resolution then? Or did this happen and the injured parties felt that criminal charges were still necessary?
newsboy
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.
Separation of Powers?
Dog Guy
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
This week Tuesday, Kenny Bartley, the student who pleaded guilty for a deadly 2005 shooting at Campbell County High School, has been granted a retrial by the Court of Criminal Appeals. AAPS could send a "Friend of the Court" copy of this resolution to Campbell County.
Chris Blackstone
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Is the Board working on an official procedure for all future criminally-charged AAPS students to appeal to the Board to present a resolution asking that the charges be dropped/reduced? Would the Board be willing to offer the same resolution should a student be charged with the sexual assault of another student? What if a student decided to steal a bunch of the newly purchased MacBook Pros that the district just financed? Would the Board then be so concerned about "educational and developmentally appropriate measures"? I also disagree greatly with the statement that "adolescents are ... particularly able to learn from mistakes." By that logic, our colleges should be incident free, unless all the adolescents out there aren't making any mistakes in high school.
flabberghast
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
The charges should not be dropped. I believe the correct action would be for these young men to be placed in anger management class and be required to do community service - preferably in line with assault preventions so that they learn the behavior is not only inexcusable but shows real world victims of assault. This kind of eye opening experience is invaluable to helping them adjust perspectives if situations like this occur in the future.
Mike
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
I hope this precedent applies when the students who are not considered minorities are in the same situtation..................
oyxclean
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
Fat chance.
Claude Kershner
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
This is just the latest example of how far removed the BOE is from representing community standards of behavior and focusing on their primary duty of educating our kids. What a disgrace to see this turn of events.
Billy
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
No.
Nick Danger
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
Drop the charges so everyone can move on already.There are better ways to spend time and money in our legal system
Gorc
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Dropping criminal charges in this situation might be the right thing to do. But to assure some level of accountability, maybe the school board should consider expelling the students involved from the district.
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
This is much like when the Ann Arbor City Council comes up with resolutions that are totally outside their domain (e.g, Iraq war, illegal (oh, sorry, "unauthorized") aliens, etc). Stay out of things that you have no business being in. You are not a law-enforcement organization. You are barely an educational organization.
Alan Goldsmith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
So why are important resolutions such as this one being passed at 1 am in the morning to virtually no audience? Another case of the School Board's lack of transparency and openness, as evidenced by their policy on FOIA requests.
Alan Goldsmith
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
If the Ann Arbor Public School system wonders why parents and children are jumping ship for other education options besides the public school system, they need to look in the mirror. While the list of people involved in this incident who should be prosecuted could perhaps be expanded, the Board is sending a very clear signal with this resolution that safety of students and personal responsibility are something they clearly don't care about.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
Jim, the case you referring to is that of 20-year-old Dominic Oyerinde who was found guilty of murdering student Anna List. Dominic was not a student at Huron: http://bit.ly/15Onk5F
Jim Osborn
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Didn't a Huron High School student use a hammer to bash in the head of a Huron High School honor student 2 or 3 years ago? Was he allowed to slide?
Jim Osborn
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
How is dropping all charges "in the best interest of the injured student"? Will it heal him faster or reduce his facial scars? How will letting these three go Scott-free make or our community safer? Instead it lets them slide once again, as they most likely have done in the past and re-enforces a powerful lesson that they can get away with it in public. If allowed to be unpunished, as the AA School Board desires, how dangerous will they be at age 20? They are accused of kicking a person who was on the ground in the face and head or swinging a metal pole.
Brad
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
WHEREAS, the board totally and thoroughly blew the situation, and WHEREAS, we really want a "do over", and WHEREAS, for reasons unknown we believe we are both qualified and entitled to meddle in the affairs of the Prosecutor's Office, and WHEREAS, even though that sure looks like a two-hander swing with a metal object that would absolutely land ME in jail, we'd sure like to sweep it under the rug with a "boys will be boys" shrug, WE RECOMMEND that you ignore what you saw and what everyone already knows, and not do your job.
Bballmom
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
What a joke, reduce the consequences for your actions once the race card is played. What about the injured student, you just added insult to injury to a student you should have been protecting.
observer
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
So.....now the School Board will be reviewing criminal complaints in the county instead of the Prosecutor's Office.....wow, are they well versed, lookout Mackey, you may be out of a job soon.....
antikvetch
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:41 a.m.
"Pandenable": v. To pander and enable See AABE
Walter
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
I don't know how anyone can watch that video and believe that these kids don't deserve the charges against them. The one kid is just standing there with his crutches (he is not engaged in the fight, he put himself into it on his own), hands one off to one of the other players, walks into the melee and takes a hard swing at one of the Huron players on the ground, and then hops away like a coward. He's a punk and deserves whatever he gets.
Jim Osborn
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.
With his metal crutch? I saw him, or someone, swing the crutch at the game, but I was too far away to see the intended victim.
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
Took them long enough
Paula Gardner
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:10 a.m.
Danielle told me this morning that the vote took place at about 1 a.m., following little discussion. She said about 5 people spoke in favor of it earlier, and 3 of them remained in the audience at the time of the vote. One was Joe Dulin, former Roberto Clemente principal.
towncryer
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 7:51 p.m.
what susan baskett wants, susan baskett gets. time for her to be gone.
Jim Osborn
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
When the board says that they are "open mind to the community's concerns,..." What they really mean is a select biased group that decided to attend the meeting that day. The much larger community who is not in favor of this resolution was not present.
squidlover
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
Thanks, Paula. I'm sure that information will surprise very few people, given the track record of the current board.
Danielle Arndt
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:27 a.m.
Paula's right. The only thing I would add is that the little discussion that did take place was primarily around language and minor tweaks to wording. There wasn't really any weighing of pros and cons in passing the resolution. Susan Baskett did say the district's legal counsel looked over the resolution and gave it the OK.
squidlover
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:06 a.m.
So the school board officially sets up an "out" for students who may conduct criminal activity in the future. I can already imagine the mess if he/she doesn't receive this extent of support from the school board when charged with a crime.
dancinginmysoul
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:04 a.m.
Good.
local
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:03 a.m.
This is not the boards place to interfere. It is shocking to me that a district that needs to make tough decisions about budget and preparing for next school is worrying about this. This whole board needs to be fired, this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. BOE, worry about things in your control. If my child were one of the kids beaten with a crutch and being kicked in the head, I would be losing my mind with this resolution. The BOE should be protecting all students, not just those who make a bad choice and then don't want to face consequences for those choices.
a2flow
Sat, Mar 16, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.
@all-blue, Try teaching in A2. In most schools, there are hardly any consequences for anything. It's not the teachers doing this, but the policies that originate from Balas. This article exemplifies what goes on in AAPS.
all-blue
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.
There's no consequences for kids now days. Thats why we have so many criminals in our jails. Start punishing them when there kids, and maybe they will learn before they turn 18.
Carole
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:50 a.m.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, there should be some type of consequences for these individuals. Not sure criminal charges are the way to go. Hitting someone with a crutch and kicking individuals in the face is not acceptable. Don't know if these players loss playing time or did community service for their actions, but something that should have served as a consequence. I believe all of the coaches involved have had some type of consequences as rightly should have happened.
L'chaim
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
Well, there were other consequences for many of those involved administered by the school Board, whether they were appropriate or not, or applied to the right people, is a different question. But you imply there were none, and that is incorrect.
Jim Osborn
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
A criminal record that dissapears after age 21 if they keep out of trouble, especially for any that are under 18. It should not haunt them for life, unless they are repeat offenders, but they should stand in the docket and be held accountable. Let this example be in the back of every Ann Arbor high school player's minds during a game.
1bit
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:46 a.m.
The title is wrong, the resolution isn't to "drop" the charges but to reduce them.
1bit
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
Intent aside, that's not what the resolution actually states.
Danielle Arndt
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:23 a.m.
1bit, "drop" was used at the board meeting. It was clear "dropping" of the charges was what the community was asking for and what Susan Baskett's intent was.
TheDiagSquirrel
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:43 a.m.
Gee, wish I could have had the AAPS school board bail me out of legal trouble when I went to high school...but that was back in the 90's, when they concentrated more on education for all students, instead of preferential treatement for minorites, huge admin salaries, and pointless resolutions.
average joe
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:38 a.m.
Whereas, we the school board wouldn't be drafting such a resolution if the accused were of a different color.
A2comments
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:32 a.m.
The School Board has no business interfering.
Bob W
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
Agreed. This is one of those teachable moments, so let's teach for a change.
racerx1909
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:31 a.m.
...so the kid swinging the crutch didn't really do that ?
East Side Dad
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 12:46 a.m.
I guess that is what the school board thinks - he didn't do it and he also didn't pause and take the time to arm a teammate before they each started looking for a victim.
Brad
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
No, he was just trying to fan that kid on the ground so he didn't get hot.
Local Yocal
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:11 a.m.
Thank You, School Board.
zanzerbar
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 : 10:20 a.m.
Thank You, Joseph Dulin,