BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The way a charter school allegedly handled a fight between two students is prompting calls by one of those student's parents for a state investigation.
The parents, Christina and Kelcey Conerly, held a news conference Monday to explain their rationale.
They said their daughter, 15, was bullied for more than one year while attending Tapestry Charter School in North Buffalo. They claimed the school was aware of the bullying. They say the torment pushed their girl, who they said has a “clean” record with no history of violence, to her breaking point.
On March 6, the parents said their daughter and another girl fought. Both girls were suspended for five days, they said.
But on day six, the Conerlys claimed the other student was allowed to return to school, while their child faced an expulsion hearing.
During that expulsion hearing they said it was recommended their daughter be expelled. The Conerlys then made the decision to withdraw her from school so an expulsion would not be a permanent part of her education record.
They also claim that video of the fight was shown at the hearing. They alleged that video shows their daughter being "bear hugged and [dragged] across the floor by the principal."
Tapestry Charter School released the following statement to 7 Eyewitness News:
"Tapestry's first priority is the health and safety of all our students. To that end, the school, in consultation with faculty, staff and families, has certain rules and procedures it follows to ensure safety. The accusations made in this case are without merit, and misrepresent the facts about what happened. The school is prohibited by law from sharing specifics about this case. If, however, the family consents to releasing pertinent information, it will quickly become obvious that the school’s actions were necessary, appropriate, and in compliance with the law. We welcome any review of our policies and procedures."
