CAUGHT ON VIDEO: Florin High School Principal Thrown To Ground During Fight
ELK GROVE (CBS13) — Video captured of a disturbing fight at Florin High School shows a principal was thrown to the ground while trying to break up a fight.
The school district is planning a meeting on Thursday night to talk to parents about safety on campus, while students say the fight was the work of a few bad apples who don't represent the school.
Three Florin High School students—a 13-year-old and two 15-year-olds—were put in handcuffs after the fight that left the school's principal badly bruised.
"He received some bump and bruises but he's in good spirits and he's definitely a trooper when it comes to getting back into the seat and make sure his students are safe and make sure the staff is safe," said Elk Grove School District spokeswoman Xanthi Pinkerton.
Cellphone video shows Principal Don Ross trying to break up a fight in the cafeteria. Administrators say the fight started between a boyfriend and girlfriend and quickly escalated, involving eight to 10 students.
Ross is seen being flipped and slammed to the ground. Junior Jeremiah Robinson was sitting a few tables away from the fight.
"I was like, this is out of control, because I've never seen that before—people hit a principal or anything, or any officials at a school," he said.
With safety and security concerns being raised, district officials are re-examining its policies and procedures.
But many students believe it was just an isolated incident.
"It's just in the heat of the moment, I think it just happened in the heat of the moment," said senior Bianca Perez. "And I was just kind of appalled because it's Mr. Ross. I mean, like, he's so nice. He's a role model."
The meeting will be at the school's library at 6 p.m.