More Violence In West, Central: 'Dark Cloud Hanging Over Us'

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Township High School District 204 Superintendent Karla Guseman notified parents and students of Joliet West and Joliet Central over the weekend that more student fighting is taking place within the hallways of Joliet's two public high schools.

On Friday, a video was circulating on social media showing Joliet West High School Principal Teresa Gibson being attacked as the long time principal tried to break up a huge brawl taking place inside Joliet West High School, 401 North Larkin Ave.

"I am sending this email today to address recent incidents in our schools which include fighting and battery against staff members. I do not have the words to express the sadness I am feeling right now for our students, parents, and all our staff," Guseman wrote. "We should be focusing on the positive aspects of our schools, such as Central's Homecoming and athletic contests throughout the district this weekend.  But instead, I feel as if we have a dark cloud hanging over us due to the unacceptable actions from some of our students."

Guseman's email praised the high school students who are making the right choices and representing West and Central with pride. However, other students "are choosing to conduct themselves in a manner that is both embarrassing and destructive to our school and community. You are inciting violence and negatively impacting the students who are here to learn."

The Joliet Township District 204 superintendent's email stated that two staff members were attacked this past week while trying to protect other students. Students who fight one another face a minimum school suspension of five days, Guseman noted.

" I am sorry that our staff had to deal with this disgraceful student behavior which I know has made them feel sad, scared, unsafe, angry, and frustrated. I thank our staff for their efforts, but this is an unacceptable position to put them in, and it cannot continue," Guseman wrote.

According to Guseman, any District 204 student who commits battery may face an expulsion recommendation and "students who commit battery will continue to be arrested. If a student commits battery against a staff member, they are recommended for expulsion. "

Guseman also wanted to make it clear to students and parents that those students who gather around a fight and make videos may also face an expulsion recommendation.

"At a minimum, students who record fights will lose the privilege to have a phone within our buildings. Students engaging in this behavior are making an unsafe situation even more dangerous. This will not be tolerated," Guseman explained.

Guseman said a new tardy policy is being implemented this coming week because "there are far too many students in the halls after the bell rings."

"Our students and staff deserve to feel safe. Students engaging in inappropriate and violent behavior are making that impossible, and it will not be tolerated," Guseman's letter reminded students and parents. " This unacceptable behavior cannot and will not continue."

Related Patch coverage: Joliet School Fights: HS Board President Issues Statement