A teacher was injured and more than a dozen students were arrested following a series of fights at Woonsocket High School in Rhode Island on Monday. The incidents prompted multiple shelter-in-place orders and have led the local teachers' union to demand immediate action on school safety policies.
Key Takeaways
- At least five separate fights occurred at Woonsocket High School on a single day.
- One teacher was injured and required hospital treatment but returned to work the same day.
- Over a dozen students were arrested, suspended, and charged with disorderly conduct.
- The Woonsocket Teachers Guild is calling for new safety measures, including a formal fight policy and stricter security.
Multiple Brawls Disrupt Woonsocket High School
Operations at Woonsocket High School were significantly disrupted on Monday as at least five separate fights broke out among students throughout the day. School administration confirmed the incidents were not connected and that no weapons were involved.
The altercations led school officials to issue several shelter-in-place orders to ensure the safety of students and staff. The response resulted in more than a dozen students being arrested and suspended. These students are now facing charges of disorderly conduct.
Incident by the Numbers
- 5+ separate fights reported
- 12+ students arrested and suspended
- 1 staff member injured
- Multiple shelter-in-place orders issued
Staff Member Injured During Altercations
Robert Stewart, the President of the Woonsocket Teachers Guild, confirmed that a teacher was injured while responding to the events. He stated the staff member required medical attention at a hospital following the incident.
Despite the injury, Stewart expressed admiration for the teacher's dedication, noting their swift return to the school.
"One staff member was injured, had to go to the hospital, had to have medical care, and I can’t believe they went back to work," Stewart said in an interview with NBC 10. "Went back that same day! I couldn’t believe it."
Stewart highlighted the commitment of the school's educators, stating they remained focused on supporting their students and the school community during a difficult day. "They’re there for their students. They’re like, 'No, my school needs me,' and I was intensely proud of how Woonsocket educators showed up," he added.
Teachers Union Calls for Urgent Safety Reforms
The series of fights has amplified long-standing safety concerns among educators at the school. Stewart described the events of the past week as "heartbreaking" and emphasized that ensuring a safe environment is a primary concern for the union's members.
The Role of a Teachers' Guild
A teachers' guild, or union, is an organization that represents educators in negotiations with school districts. Their responsibilities often include advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and, crucially, safe learning and teaching environments for both students and staff.
In response to the incidents, the Woonsocket Teachers Guild plans to present a series of proposals to the Woonsocket School Committee. The union is advocating for concrete actions rather than just discussions about safety.
"There’s words and there’s action, and we want to see the action," Stewart stated firmly.
Proposed Safety Measures
The union has outlined several specific policy changes it believes will improve safety at the high school. These proposals are expected to be the focus of their presentation to the school committee. The key recommendations include:
- Creating a Formal Fight Policy: Implementing a clear, consistent protocol for how the school prevents and responds to physical altercations.
- Enhanced Door Security: Improving security measures at school entrances to better control access to the building.
- Stricter Mobile Device Policy: Implementing phone pouches or other measures to limit distractions and prevent phones from being used to coordinate or escalate conflicts.
- Dedicated Safety Meetings: Stewart has proposed that teachers be given dedicated time, at least twice a month, to specifically discuss and strategize on school safety issues. Currently, teachers have a 30-minute period four mornings a week for general planning.
Union to Address School Committee
Robert Stewart and other members of the Woonsocket Teachers Guild will attend the upcoming Woonsocket School Committee meeting to formally present their concerns and proposals. The meeting is a public forum where community members and stakeholders can address school district leaders.
The union's goal is to compel the committee to adopt tangible policies that will proactively address violence and ensure the well-being of everyone on campus. When asked if he typically feels safe at the school, Stewart acknowledged the inherent risks educators face.
"I do typically feel safe. I’ve been in instances, and any teacher who’s been around a long enough time has had instances where you’re having to make that decision. Do I get involved? How do I get involved? How do I keep people safe?" he explained.
The school committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Hamlet Middle School. The outcome of this meeting will be closely watched by parents, students, and educators concerned about the recent events at Woonsocket High School.
