Will County Gazette

 The Joliet Township High School Board recently held a special meeting to address the problem of violence across the district.

In late September, WJOL reported that as many as 70 students have already been suspended over the first few weeks of the school year “due to fights or physical altercations.”

In a more recent episode, a fight presumably between students was recorded and shared on social media, prompting Superintendent Karla Guseman to take action.

“I am sending this email today to address recent incidents in our schools which include fighting and battery against staff members,” Guseman said in an email sent to parents. “I do not have the words to express the sadness I am feeling right now for our students, parents, and all our staff.  We should be focusing on the positive aspects of our schools, such as Central’s Homecoming and athletic contests throughout the district this weekend.  But instead, I feel as if we have a dark cloud hanging over us due to the unacceptable actions from some of our students.”

Guseman argued such actions will no longer be tolerated and the excuse that students have been affected by the pandemic will not be accepted.

“The first instance of battery against any individual can lead to an expulsion recommendation, and students who commit battery will continue to be arrested,” she said.  “If a student commits battery against a staff member, they are recommended for expulsion.  Students who engage in fighting will be suspended a minimum of 5 days.  If a student engages in a second fight, they will be recommended for expulsion.”

Guseman also stressed to students that those who crowd around skirmishes and take video are engaging in instigating/mob action, behavior that can also lead to discipline up to suspension.

"Students engaging in this behavior are making an unsafe situation even more dangerous,” she told CBSNews.com. “This will not be tolerated.”

At one recent overflow board meeting, parents expressed their frustration over what they view as a lack of consequences for the violence.

“I have told my daughter if she fears for her life, walk out,” said Joliet Central High School parent James Hill.

“The videos of the violence happening in our schools sickens me, and causes me to be fearful for my daughter’s safety,” added Joliet West parent Heather Myers.

Earlier this month, longtime Joliet West High School Principal Teresa Gibson was attacked by several of her students when she tried to separate students during a brawl inside the school. A video of the incident was later posted to social media.