On Friday afternoon, dozens of protesters, some from Dallas, rallied in front of a private school in Waco, claiming a 12-year-old black girl was a victim of an attempted lynching.
Protesters claim three white boys put a rope around the neck of the Live Oak Classical School 6th grader, who had allegedly been bullied throughout the year, while she was at a school camp out at a ranch in Blanco County last month.
“No justice, no peace. No justice, no peace.” the group chanted.
The school's attorney Dave Deaconson tells a different story about what occurred at the campout in April. He said the girl got injured in an accident while playing with her classmates on a rope swing.
However, protesters don't believe it was accidental and they want those who they say are responsible to be held accountable.
"Unless those little boys are charged, suspended from school, something happens, that principal is held accountable, that dean is held accountable and that parent who administered that aid and didn't contact her parent is held accountable, this will not be the last time that we come. We will be back” Marie said.
The protesters had a list of expectations regarding this situation, including a full review of the school's accreditation status. In addition, they demand answers to questions, such as the reason behind the parents not being notified about the incident immediately.
Family members of the student, including her grandmother who was very emotional, attended the rally.
Her cousin, who was grateful for the number of people who attended the rally, said they will not stop until they get some justice.
"We’re out here for support. To support her and to let her know that we love her and care about her,” said Sheila Rougely Trainor, the cousin of the 12-year-old.
The school released the following statement:
"Live Oak Classical School cares about the safety of its students. A student was injured on a school field trip in April. Our teachers followed our internal processes regarding the student's care. Live Oak Classical School is taking this matter seriously. Our teachers and administrators have been cooperative and will continue to provide assistance throughout this process.”
Like Oak Classical students and school officials were not present at the time of the protest because students went on summer break on Thursday.
Deaconson said he communicated with the family’s attorney Levi McCathern to make sure the student got her school work so she can finish her school year.
Sometime in the next two weeks, McCathern plans to file a lawsuit against Live Oak Classical School.
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