CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A recent altercation at Ardrey Kell High School that left a student severely injured has prompted her family to demand a hate crime investigation. The incident, which escalated to violence in a classroom setting, is just the latest in a series of troubling events at the school.
According to reports, the confrontation resulted in significant injuries to one student, who was subsequently evaluated by medical personnel. Family members have described the event not only as a fight but as an unprovoked and brutal attack.
The injured student, who has not been publicly named but was referred to by community leader Jibril Hough as “Miss USA,” allegedly endured racial slurs during the assault. “He called me the N-word and told me to go back to my country,” she reported.
Hough, representing the Islamic Center of Charlotte, detailed that the student is now facing surgery to address multiple fractures in her face. In the aftermath, he also highlighted constraints from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), claiming they advised the girl’s parents against speaking publicly on the matter.
Responding to the incident and the perceived inadequate support from CMS, the family and supporters have organized a press conference. Scheduled for Wednesday at the corner of Ardrey Kell Road and Wade Ardrey Road, the event aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this case and CMS’s response.
This assault occurred amidst a disturbed climate at the school, following a series of threats. Just weeks before the altercation, menacing messages were discovered scrawled on a bathroom wall. Additionally, last month, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested an individual linked to violent threats directed at several local schools, including Ardrey Kell High.
In light of these incidents, CMS has faced criticism over its approach to communication regarding threats. District Superintendent Crystal Hill has since issued an apology via a video message and expressed the district’s commitment to improving its communication protocols.
This commitment was addressed further when CMS announced new procedures for informing parents about threats going forward, suggesting a pivotal change in policy spurred by recent events and public outcry.
The collection of these incidents points to a growing concern among parents and community members regarding safety and racial tensions within educational settings in Charlotte. As the community awaits the upcoming press conference, many are calling for more substantive actions from local educational authorities to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students.