Groups Including Howard Co. NAACP Seek Investigation After Student Is Punched In Head

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — After a student reportedly assaulted other teens in the Howard High School cafeteria, a security guard and another adult then punched the accused assailant. That display of force has several groups seeking an investigation.

The Howard County NAACP, Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County and African American Community Roundtable are calling for an investigation after a video emerged showing two adults punching a Black student in the head while restraining him on the floor. The school in Ellicott City was placed in lockdown.

According to the Howard County Police Department, the student first assaulted other kids in the cafeteria. A security guard and school administrator intervened and while restraining the student, punched him in the head.

In a statement, the civil rights groups described the footage as “very disturbing.”

Police confirmed one of the security officers seen in the video is a former police officer and said his actions are under investigation.

“What this video shows is obvious, an adult is striking a student in the head at least twice and pulling his hair while two others are trying to restrain his lower and upper body,” the civil rights groups said. “While this video does not show events leading up to this point, it is clear an adult is striking a child.”

The organizations have requested the adult seen striking the student in the head be suspended immediately while school administrators investigate the incident.

They also called for Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael J. Martirano to implement training or retraining of security officers in schools and review the hiring practices for all employees who interact with school children to “ensure they are safe to be in contact with our students,” the groups said. The organizations also requested a conversation with Howard County leaders to ensure students feel safe.

Martirano said the district is aware people are "understandably upset" but he wanted to assure students, staff and the community that no weapons were involved in the incident. The Howard County Police Department is working with school officials to review video footage.

"Maintaining a safe environment in our schools is of utmost importance and remains the primary focus of our efforts. I appreciate the cooperation of students, families, staff and community agencies as we work to investigate and respond to yesterday's events. I want to assure all of you that support services are available at every school to provide necessary supports to any staff or students who need assistance," he said.