DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Two DeKalb high school students say they were suspended because they fought back against a bully they had already reported to school officials.
The boys shared with Channel 2's Audrey Washington text messages showing another student threatening to beat them up over a girl.
“He’s going to try to fight me and I don’t really want to fight," student Chancelor Parker told Washington.
Parker and his friend took those messages to a coach and to the assistant principal, but they say nothing was done.
“They basically told him if that happens or the guy approaches you, just come and let us know. But at that point, it was too late,” Parker’s mother Inita Brown said.
The next day, a large fight broke out between Parker, his friend and a group of students. Washington obtained a copy of the video showing students punching and kicking each other.
"Once you tell an adult at the school, they should do something about it," Parker said.
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Washington also spoke with the mother of Parker’s friend, who says her son has never been in trouble and the boys were only defending themselves.
"That situation could have been avoided," Shinera Parker told Washington. "The staff dropped the ball in a major way.”
Everyone involved in the fight was not only suspended, but they were also banned from the prom. Parents believe the punishment was too harsh and are planning to throw a separate prom after graduation.
“It’s just not fair to miss out on my senior prom,” Chancelor Parker said.
Washington reached out to DeKalb County Schools on Monday and received this statement:
“Violence has no place in our schools, and those involved in this incident are subject to criminal charges and discipline via the district’s Student Code of Conduct.”
Washington also asked the district about the coach and assistant principal. They said they had no comment.