BELLEVILLE, IL (KTVI - FOX2now.com)—
The two teens accused of beating a classmate on a school bus in Belleville are expelled for the rest of this school year and all of next year. It is the maximum penalty allowed under Illinois law and more students could still be punished. The board's decision was unanimous. The two boys will not be allowed to attend school or any related function during the remainder of the 2009-2010 or the entire 2010-2011 school years."This is an egregious act," said Belleville Township High School District 201 school board member Kurt Schroeder. "We have to send a message to all students we will not tolerate it."
The meeting Monday night came exactly one week after the attacks happened, on board a bus carrying students to Belleville West High School. A surveillance camera taped the entire ride. A 17 year old boarded the bus and looked for a place to sit. Several students told him he could not sit beside them. When he was near the back of the bus, he moved a 14 year old student's book bag and sat. Seconds later, the 14 year old began pushing and choking and punching the victim. The victim does not fight back.
A man who would only identify himself as "Joe" said he was the 14 year old's father. He claimed his son punched the victim because of what the victim did to his book bag.
"It's not hate. It's just two kids getting into a thing. And nothing's happening to the other boy. The racism is here at Belleville West," said the man. "He has a right to go back to school. He has a right."
Minutes after the first attack, a 15 year old student sitting in front of the victim suddenly stood and began punching the same victim. Only after the second beating did another boy on board the bus step in to come to the victim's aid.
Board president Curt Highsmith said the behavior was "indescribable."
When the board opened the discussion for public comment Monday evening, several parents spoke.
"It was inhumane the way that child was treated," said Alicia Brown. "But those children need an education, whether they get it at Belleville West or somewhere. Education is power, knowledge is power. How are they going to learn how to become productive citizens if we don't educate them on what a productive citizen acts like."
Joyce Borders, a grandmother with a son who was on board the bus agreed. Her grandson was suspended for acting out and not intervening.
"To suspend the children, and keep suspending them when they do wrong does not help them do any better," she said.
One father suggested the trouble started at home. "Take care of this in your family first and we may not have these problems. We may not have beatings in school."
Board member Judy Cates ordered Belleville West administrators to review the tape again and discipline anyone on board who egged on the incident, or disobeyed the driver.
"Some have, but some haven't," Cates said. "Anyone on that bus who refused to sit down should be immediately disciplined."
Tabasha Holloman, mother of one boy suspended for laughing, agreed her son's behavior was improper, but said she was outraged she was never given a chance to view the uncut tape. She said she was only able to view what was broadcast on news stations or posted on internet sites.
"I don't like what he did," she said. "But I should be able to see what they say he did."
"I don't believe it should have been leaked. They are minors"
Several parents told the board they did not agree with the tape's release.
"They put every one of our children's lives in danger," said Brown. "This city got threats, hate mail. The anger and the demonstrations made you as a parent want to cry out and say, 'Please, God help us all.'"
The man called "Joe" said the tape "ruined" his family's lives.
His son went before a judge in the Illinois Juvenile Justice System Monday, who released him from custody. He was placed on what is in essence 24 hour house arrest until his case is resolved. The 15 year old suspect was expected to go before the same judge Tuesday.
"It is time to move on," said Highsmith. "This behavior has never been and will never be tolerated."
"Kids deserve an education and to feel safe," he said. "We will work to the ends of the earth to make that happen."
