BOSTON, Massachusetts – A judge in Massachusetts has ruled that a 19-year-old woman is fit to stand trial for a violent assault on a school principal that occurred when she was 16 years old. Laurette LaRouge is facing charges related to a serious attack on the principal of the Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School in Dorchester back in November 2021. The incident, which took place during dismissal at the school’s Upper Campus, left the principal with significant injuries, including a concussion, possible rib fracture, and swelling to her face and head. According to a police report, the teenager’s mother had allegedly threatened the principal the night before the assault.
Following the ruling by Judge Peter Coyne, Laurette LaRouge was identified by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office as the defendant in the case. The decision was made after a court clinician testified to her competency to stand trial. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for March 29. The Dr. William W. Henderson K-12 Inclusion School caters to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities who learn alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms.
Located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the Henderson Upper Campus where the assault took place serves as an educational hub for students ranging from early childhood to Grade 12. The Lower Campus, situated at 1669 Dorchester Ave, provides additional facilities for the school’s inclusive educational programs. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius of the Boston Public Schools condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.
The assault on the school principal has raised concerns about safety and security measures within educational institutions, prompting discussions on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for both students and school personnel to address instances of violence or aggression effectively. As the legal proceedings continue, the community is closely following the developments in the case and anticipating a resolution that upholds justice while ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved.