Parents Upset About Students In 'Fighting Game,' Mom Sues PGCPS

LANDOVER, MD — Parents of students at Cora Rice Elementary School are upset after learning about a "fight game" that's been happening in class. One mom has sued the school district.

Video captured inside a classroom at the school shows students counting down before a fight between a boy and girl. Classmates cheered and recorded the fight on their phones. A parent of one of the children involved in the activity told News4 nothing was done by adults to stop the fight.

A teacher seen briefly in the video has resigned, according to Prince George’s County Public Schools, but the school system did not say if that was related to the fight video, News4 reported.

In a statement, the school system said administrators have been made aware that some fifth-grade students have been taking part in what they call “the fight game.” The school’s principal sent a letter to parents referring to “horseplaying and play fighting.”

“Some of the students are engaging in ‘The Fight Game,’” the letter read. “The students set the rules (no hitting my face, pulling of hair, etc.) and countdown while two students fight. While we understand that children may engage in playful activities, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of maintaining safe and respectful behavior at all times. Such behaviors can lead to real fights, accidents and injuries, which we aim to prevent to ensure the well-being of all students.”

The letter also said students are not supposed to have their cellphones out during school hours. They’re supposed to be turned off and in backpacks. The principal said the school will monitor bathrooms more closely, encourage responsible decision making, and implement a reward system to recognize and celebrate positive student behavior.

Sacona Graham stated at a news conference held with her lawyers present that she is suing Prince George's County Public Schools after she saw the video. Her 10-year-old daughter is the girl depicted in the video who was involved in the fight.

“For my child to have to endure what she did, it’s not right,” Graham said at the news conference. “I want justice for my child.”

Attorneys for Graham said the little girl suffered serious injuries, and according to her mother, she has not returned to the classroom since footage of the fight surfaced, NBC Washington reported. Graham's attorney said the teacher stood by and encouraged the children to fight.

“[She] allowed and enticed her fifth grade students to verbally and physically assault Ms. Graham’s minor daughter while in her classroom,” attorney Petra Aaron said at the news conference.