Police and school officials in Wilmington, Massachusetts, are investigating what officials described as a "disturbing physical altercation" in a boys' bathroom at the high school Thursday as a potential crime.
In a letter sent home to families, school officials said they were investigating who was involved in the incident itself and also who took a recording of it, which was posted online. They did not provide details of what happened, but said those involved face serious disciplinary action.
Cell phone video of the incident shows a crowded boys' bathroom where three teens pick up another boy and force him into the bathroom stall. The teen is screaming, trying to grab the stall walls to stop the trio. They push him into a toilet, and you can hear other people laughing.
"I am truly appalled by the actions of these students which are unacceptable and do not represent the core values of this educational community," Superintendent of School Glenn Brand wrote in the letter.
Brand said police have been notified and are also investigating. He also noted that it comes after a series of other concerns about student behavior, and that the district plans on "implementing workshops to promote positive behavior, actively discussing the importance of speaking or acting in support of others."
"Everybody is too busy taping things instead of stepping into stop the problem."
Mandeep Lane, a parent of two younger children in the school system, wants to see more action.
I am terrified that my kids at some point are going to come to this high school. There’s got to be a change," she said.
School officials will not discuss the number of students involved or the specific punishments. Parents told NBC10 Boston and NECN that three boys directly involved have been given a 10-day suspension.
