A group of Massachusetts educators is seeking to quell what teachers described as “shocking levels of disorder and violence” among students that have raised serious security concerns over the past few months. , is petitioning Gov. Maura Healey to send the National Guard to Brockton High School. .
In a letter last week, Brockton School Committee members Joyce Assac, Tony Rodriguez, Claudio Gomez, and Anna Oliver wrote to Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan about “related incidents. asked Healey to request temporary National Guard support at Brockton High School to address an alarming increase in “violence, safety concerns, substance abuse, etc.” ”
“Following the recent events at Brockton High School, we are urged to seek immediate assistance to prevent a potential tragedy,” the letter, obtained by multiple local news outlets, said. “The situation has reached a critical point, with an alarming 35 teachers absent in recent days, highlighting the seriousness of the challenge we face.”
The letter said instances of students wandering hallways, starting fights and causing disruption in classrooms have become “alarmingly common.”
First suburb of Boston to welcome immigrants into home, Democrats say ‘everyone should open their doors’
A sign outside Brockton High School on March 14, 2021 in Brockton, Massachusetts. (Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe via Getty Images)
“These incidents not only undermine the learning environment, but also jeopardize the integrity of the statewide testing process,” nearly half of the committee wrote. “As school board officials, we are reaching out to you in hopes that the city and state can provide assistance and support to address this urgent issue.”
The letter points to a recent increase in students leaving school grounds without permission and trespassing on school grounds, citing a “lack of adequate personnel” at entrances and exits.
“These conditions not only endanger our students, faculty and staff, but also compromise the safety of our entire community,” the letter said.
“Recognizing the gravity of the situation, we have contacted Governor Healey and requested the deployment of the National Guard to restore order, ensure the safety of everyone on school grounds, and take steps to address the issue. “We formally request that you address the root causes of the problems we face,” they wrote on Thursday. “We understand the gravity of this request and the importance of collaboration between local and state authorities. The National Guard’s expertise in crisis management and community support provides critical temporary intervention and “To enable us to consult and develop comprehensive, long-term solutions” with all stakeholders. ”
The four commissioners called for an emergency meeting to discuss sending the National Guard to Brockton High School.
Teachers who spoke to the Boston Herald described “shocking levels of disorder and violence” at Brockton High School, which serves about 4,000 students.
The Brockton Enterprise first reported on the letter on Saturday. Sullivan reportedly said in a statement to the newspaper that he opposes deploying the National Guard at Massachusetts’ largest high school, but did not explain why. The mayor said he forwarded the request to Healey, who has the authority to deploy the National Guard in an emergency.
From left to right, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu tour the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Complex on January 31, 2024. The facility was scheduled to house more than 300 migrants. (John Turmacchi/Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Last August, Healey specifically sent 250 National Guard troops to hotels providing emergency shelter to immigrants without contracted service providers.
The Healey administration is “aware of the concerns raised regarding Brockton High School and has been in contact with local officials,” the governor’s press secretary, Carissa Hand, told the Boston Herald in a statement Sunday. “Our administration is committed to ensuring our schools are safe and supportive environments for students, educators, and staff.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Healey and Sullivan’s offices for comment on Monday, but did not immediately receive a response.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey nominates ex-girlfriend to state high court
Brockton City Councilman Winthrop Farwell Jr. said in a Facebook post Saturday that he also opposes the use of the National Guard at the high school.
“Our loyal teachers have experienced years of violence, injury and disruption (at all levels of the system). Now all of a sudden security is the answer? I don’t support this.” he wrote. “Soldiers in field uniforms are not the only answer. We will convene a committee of classroom teachers (rather than administrators) to provide input and recommendations on how to address escalating problems in schools. Let me do it for you.”
National Guard soldiers stand near Boston’s South Station in preparation for violence caused by the November 4, 2020 presidential election. (Nikolaus Czarnecki/Media News Group/Boston Herald)
“Classroom teachers are the closest people to students. We choose educators who are independent-minded, not those who want to ‘curry favor’ with school administrators. If we listen to our teachers, we have the gift of creating a positive learning atmosphere. they know. They care and they can help you succeed,” Farwell added.
Boston 25 News reports that Asak, Gomez, Oliver and Rodriguez are scheduled to hold a press conference about the matter at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Brockton High School.
The letter was sent after a video of a violent fight at Brockton High School circulated online last month.
Nora Acevedo, a teacher in the room, told Boston 25 News: “It’s not only dangerous for me to teach in the school, but for my students as well.” “I was the only one in the cafeteria at that point. There were supposed to be two teachers, but the other supervisor wasn’t there. A fight broke out with the girls wandering in the hallway. They… He came in to attack another girl in the cafeteria.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Last May, three students were hospitalized and five students were arrested after a stabbing outside Brockton High School.
