BVN Staff
A press conference was held outside the San Bernardino County Courthouse following a controversial incident at Jehue Middle School in Rialto, where a fight between two students resulted in serious legal consequences. The altercation, which took place between a Black female student and a Latino male student, has sparked heated discussions regarding student discipline, racial dynamics, and the role of school officials in maintaining safety.
The fight escalated to a violent level, with objects being thrown and the male student slamming the female student to the ground. According to witnesses, the young man was seen smiling afterward, while onlookers directed racial slurs toward the Black student. The incident, captured on video, quickly gained traction online and in the community, leading to widespread concern and outrage.
However, what has truly ignited controversy is the response from law enforcement. The Black female student, despite being knocked unconscious during the altercation, has been charged with a felony, while the male student faces only a misdemeanor charge. Many community members, activists, and local leaders argue that the charges are unjust and disproportionately severe.
Community Demands Justice
At the press conference, activists, parents, and community leaders gathered to demand accountability from both the school district and law enforcement.
“The felony charge against this young girl will impact her for the rest of her life,” said a community activist. “If you watch the video, it’s clear that she was defending herself. Yet, she is being labeled as the aggressor. Where were the teachers? Where were the on-campus officers? This fight should never have lasted as long as it did.”
Community Leader, Najee Ali puts out a passionate statement to the press outside the San Bernardino District’s Attorney’s Office.
Longtime civil rights advocate Najee Ali echoed these concerns, stating, “Colton Police investigated and decided to charge a 13-year-old girl who was knocked unconscious. How is she the bully? The real failure here is on the part of the school staff, who did nothing to prevent or stop the assault.”
Marvin J. Stovall, a 70-year-old community member who traveled from Los Angeles to attend the press conference, expressed his frustration. “I saw this story online and couldn’t believe my eyes. Incidents like this happened when I was young, and it’s heartbreaking to see that little has changed. This young lady needs our support, and we need to hold the school district and its board members accountable.”
A Call for Change
The incident has reignited concerns over racial disparities in school discipline. Community leaders emphasized that this should not be framed as a Black versus Latino issue but rather as a failure of the school system to protect all students equally.
“The community must come together,” one speaker urged. “This is not about division—it’s about justice. The school system has failed these students, and they should be held accountable, not the kids.”
Many are now calling for an independent investigation into how the fight was handled and demanding that the felony charge against the young girl be dropped. Parents and activists are also urging school officials to implement stronger measures to prevent student violence and ensure fair disciplinary actions.
Najee Ali continues to answer questions from the news reporters and media outlets.
As tensions continue to rise, the case serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues surrounding school discipline, racial bias, and the need for systemic change. The community now awaits a response from school officials and law enforcement, as calls for justice grow louder by the day.
