An unwarranted assault incident unfolded at a current commencement ceremony in Wisconsin, selling rumors of racism to disrupt what ought to have been a joyous celebration.
Because the graduates of Baraboo Excessive Faculty have been receiving their diplomas, a father, who hasn’t been recognized with the intention to shield his daughter, pushed Superintendent Rainey Briggs away from his daughter forcibly negating their congratulatory handshake.
Briggs, a Black man, was approached by the graduate’s father, a white male wearing a white polo shirt and baseball cap, after he ran onto the stage simply moments after his daughter had been handed her diploma. Faculty officers, together with Faculty Board President Kevin Vodak, and board members Gwynne Peterson, Katie Kalish, Amy DeLong, and Baraboo Excessive Faculty Principal Steve Considine, have been all additionally current on stage in the course of the incident however weren’t approached by the person.
As soon as the daddy reached the stage, he grabbed Briggs by the suitable arm and pushed him out of body away from the lady.
“That’s my daughter,” the person was heard shouting in a video captured of the tense incident. Briggs responded, “You higher stand up off me man. Get away from me bro,” as employees and three cops, together with the varsity useful resource officer, intervened.
The confrontation didn’t escalate additional, due to the immediate intervention of the officers who escorted the person off the stage and out of the venue. The district later confirmed {that a} disorderly conduct cost has been referred to the Sauk County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
In a press release, the Faculty District of Baraboo emphasised their dedication to scholar security following the incident.
“Our major focus stays on celebrating the achievements of our graduates. We need to make sure that the importance of this milestone and the onerous work of our college students aren’t overshadowed by this unlucky occasion,” mentioned district spokesperson Hailey Wagner.
The incident came about reportedly as a very risky ambiance hovers above the varsity district. A major group of residents, together with former district workers, have been vocally crucial of Briggs and different directors, and are presently making an attempt to recall Faculty Board President Vodak. The recall marketing campaign is presently in full swing and requires over 2,500 signatures by July 14 to drive a recall election, which, if profitable, may happen as early as late August or early September.
The varsity district confirmed an investigation is underway and guaranteed the group that it’s taking the incident very critically and is working intently with legislation enforcement to make sure the protection and well-being of all college students, employees, and group members.
Watch the video of the altercation above.
