What ought to have been a heartwarming celebration of younger college students’ achievements become a scene of chaos and shame on Wednesday, when a kindergarten commencement ceremony at Faulk Elementary erupted right into a violent brawl between mother and father.Video footage from inside the varsity reveals a number of adults throwing punches in a crowded hallway as frightened youngsters scream and cry within the background. Some children will be heard pleading “cease,” whereas different mother and father scramble to protect their youngsters and take away them from the melee.What began as an argument shortly escalated, with each men and women caught within the fray. Two males initially appeared to aim to interrupt up the combat however quickly joined the chaos, throwing punches of their very own, in keeping with video obtained by WREG.‘Unacceptable behaviour’No accidents had been reported, and the reason for the combat has not been publicly disclosed. Nonetheless, the spectacle has triggered widespread outrage amongst group members and officers alike.“It shouldn’t be occurring round youngsters — particularly,” mentioned one West Memphis resident. “These are grown people at a children’ commencement. It shouldn’t be occurring in any respect. All of them must be held accountable.”Superintendent Eric Foister of the West Memphis College District didn’t maintain again his condemnation, calling the behaviour “unacceptable” and vowing penalties for these concerned.“We’ve got our personal digicam system with sound,” Foister mentioned. “We’ve got gathered all that. Clearly, we’re a small group, so we’ve got the names.”Authorized motion & bansThe district has since recognized 5 adults concerned within the brawl and handed their names over to the West Memphis Police Division. Whereas no arrests have been made but, Foister mentioned authorized motion is imminent.“You come into our buildings and put the security and well-being of our college students and employees in jeopardy, I’m going to carry you to the fullest accountability,” he informed Fox 13 Memphis. “I’m going to press any and all prices that I can.”Along with pursuing authorized penalties, the varsity has issued speedy bans for the offending adults, proscribing them from getting into college property.“In case you’re a guardian, the one entry you’ll have is to drop your little one off and choose them up. We’re not going to punish the kid for the mother and father’ actions,” Foister clarified.‘Zero tolerance’The West Memphis College District reiterated its zero-tolerance coverage for violence and disruptions on college grounds in a press release launched Thursday.“The protection and safety of our college students, employees, and college campuses stay our high precedence,” the assertion learn. “We’ve got zero tolerance for any habits by mother and father, college students, employees, or guests that disrupts the educational setting or threatens the well-being of anybody on college grounds.”
