VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — One parent in Vinton County is demanding accountability as the local school district tries to calm families who are asking for answers regarding an alleged hate crime.
A Vinton County father took to social media this week to tell his daughter’s story. The father, in an online statement, said, “She was the victim of a hate crime today while at school. She was attacked and beaten by a girl because of the color of her skin. She is constantly called (racial slurs) or made fun of because of her hair. Today they went to another level. Earlier in the day, at lunchtime, a girl approached her and tried to get her to fight her. She once again told the girl to leave her alone and to get out of her face. A few moments later, she went to the restroom. Once in the bathroom, a group of girls followed her. Several of these sweet little girls pulled out their phones and started recording as my daughter was jumped from behind and beaten. While this was taking place, you can hear the girls in the background saying “(expletive) her up” and laughing. One of them even blocked the door so she could not get out. After the incident took place, you would think they would check on her. No, they started sharing the video around school and posting it on social media.”
He went on to say that he never received a phone call from the school regarding the alleged incident.
Superintendent Rick Brooks released a statement saying, “The Vinton County Local Schools and its administrators take all incidents that involve students very seriously, and we investigate those incidents thoroughly. Once facts are determined, discipline appropriate to the offense is issued as warranted. Discipline may include suspension and expulsion from school, suspension from extracurricular activities, and/or suspension from transportation.”
“I failed my daughters today. I sent her to an environment where I assumed she would be safe. This was her 5th day of being a freshman. Do you have any idea how this has affected her? We have been down this road with the school superintendent, teachers, and principals for the last 3 years. I have lived in this county my entire life and to know this is how my child is treated because of the color of her skin just blows my mind,” the father said.
One parent told the Guardian, “This is totally unacceptable. No one should be assaulted or belittled for their race. I thought we had evolved as a society, but it looks like we are living the 1950’s all over. ”
Law enforcement officials have not commented on whether any criminal charges will be filed.
