GILROY, Calif. — The Gilroy Unified School District is facing renewed scrutiny following a troubling incident at Christopher High School, where cellphone footage emerged depicting a violent altercation between students. This latest controversy brings back memories of a stabbing that occurred on the same campus nearly a year ago, raising concerns about safety and oversight within local schools.
The disturbing video shows one student violently assaulting another, grabbing her by the hair and slamming her to the ground. As the school board held a closed session to address various issues, attorney Mark Boskovich announced a new lawsuit related to the incident, marking it as a concerning escalation in a series of violent occurrences at the district. The student who allegedly instigated the attack, referred to in court documents as “Heather Doe,” had previously been transferred from another school due to behavioral problems.
“This type of violence is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Boskovich stated, representing the victim, identified as “Jane Doe.” He expressed alarm at seeing such assaults unfold without intervention from adults on campus.
Parent Sandra, who chose not to disclose her last name, lamented the culture that allows such behavior to flourish. “The notion that students believe this is acceptable is alarming and profoundly troubling,” she remarked.
According to Boskovich, this incident marks the third year in a row that violence has erupted on Gilroy Unified campuses without effective adult intervention. Prior incidents include a near-stabbing during a brawl in a school bathroom last May and another recorded assault at a local middle school, which led to a settlement of $100,000 for the victim’s family.
Parents and educators alike expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of supervision during these violent episodes. “During these fights, there seems to be no response from faculty. It’s disconcerting to think the students are left to manage these situations on their own,” Boskovich added.
In light of the recent violence, Boskovich filed a lawsuit against the school district for battery, negligence, and failure to uphold its duty to protect students. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures and proper staffing to ensure student safety. “It’s about implementing a thoughtful plan that prioritizes student welfare,” he said.
While the district released a statement affirming its commitment to addressing harassment and violence, specific details regarding disciplinary actions for the students involved in the recent incidents have not been disclosed.
Parents of the latest victim have chosen to withdraw their daughter from Christopher High due to safety concerns and are opting to homeschool her. “There are systemic issues at play that extend beyond one incident or one school,” noted Sandra, reflecting broader worries about student behavior and safety in local schools.
As the Gilroy community grapples with these escalating incidents of violence, discussions about school safety and support systems continue, with the hope of preventing future occurrences and ensuring a safer environment for students.