News Summary
The Florence One Schools are engulfed in legal troubles following alarming incidents of assault involving staff and security officers. Parents are raising concerns as formal lawsuits have been filed, including a shocking case at Greenwood Elementary where a security officer allegedly assaulted a mother. Additional lawsuits allege negligent hiring practices involving a convicted substitute teacher and federal issues regarding a sexual assault at West Florence High School. This growing crisis has prompted calls for increased accountability and oversight within the district.
Florence Rocked by Multiple Lawsuits Over School Assault Incidents
Florence is buzzing with unsettling news as the local school district, Florence One Schools, finds itself entangled in several lawsuits stemming from alarming incidents involving staff and security officers. Concerned parents are calling for immediate changes as they bring their complaints to court.
A Shocking Confrontation at Greenwood Elementary
One of the most striking cases involves a confrontation between a former school security officer and a parent, leading to legal action that has raised eyebrows throughout the community. In this particular incident, a mother referred to as Jane Doe attempted to pick up her daughter and a nephew at Greenwood Elementary School. However, she arrived just after the official cutoff time of 1:30 p.m.. In a twist, Jane claims she was informed by the district office that the cutoff was really 1:45 p.m.
This misunderstanding quickly escalated when the school’s security officer, Terrence Alonzo Hicks, intervened in a dramatic way. According to the lawsuit, Hicks allegedly handcuffed Jane, slammed her to the ground, and even sat on her head. This resulted in charges of assault and battery against Hicks, who has since been terminated from his position.
The Impact on the Victim
The legal complaint asserts that the school district failed to adequately train and supervise its staff, leading to a chaotic situation that left Jane Doe with physical, emotional, and psychological damages. She described feelings of humiliation and embarrassment from the incident. Adding fuel to the fire, the principal at Greenwood Elementary admitted that Jane had indeed come in before the cutoff, acknowledging that the posted signs were wrong.
What has caught the attention of many is the apparent lack of accountability from the district. The lawsuit points out that there was no apology or acknowledgment of fault from the school, which leaves many parents feeling uneasy.
More Legal Troubles for Florence One Schools
In addition to the lawsuit over the Greenwood incident, Florence One Schools is facing even more challenges. Another lawsuit has been filed by two parents on behalf of their children against the district and others. This case centers around a substitute teacher named Cheryl Filyaw, who was convicted of assaulting three students. One incident even involved pushing a child out of a chair, resulting in physical injuries.
The parents allege that the school district’s hiring practices were negligent, allowing someone like Filyaw to be in a position of authority and responsibility.
Federal Concerns Over Sexual Assault
Meanwhile, a separate federal lawsuit has emerged amid claims of a sexual assault case at West Florence High School. The case involves a 17-year-old charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student. The lawsuit alleges that the school district attempted to cover up the incident and failed to report it to the necessary authorities.
In a distressing detail, it has been noted that Jane Doe in this case has various disabilities and did not receive the supportive measures she should have from the district.
Calls for Accountability
In yet another troubling incident, a school resource officer reportedly broke a student’s arm during a fight at Wilson High School. It’s alleged that the officer slammed the student onto a desk, resulting in severe injuries that required medical treatment and physical therapy.
All of these incidents underscore a growing need for accountability and oversight within the Florence One Schools district. Parents and community members are becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns, demanding safer environments for their children amid these serious allegations.
With legal action on the rise, the Frances community is watching closely to see how the district will address these troubling issues and ensure the safety of students and parents alike.
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