A high school student has been charged after a homophobic attack on a fellow student went viral on social media.
The disturbing video was taken at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia. In the footage, students are seen seated in the cafeteria, seemingly during their lunch period. A male student wearing a Black t-shirt runs up to a student sitting with a rainbow flag draped around him. The aggressor violently rips the flag from the teen, dragging him to the floor. As the victim is on the ground, the teen is seen forcefully trying to tear the flag from his body. Once he has it, another student confronts the boy, who throws the flag in the garbage.
The unidentified juvenile has since been charged with disorderly conduct, simple battery, and disruption of a public facility. The school’s assistant principal, Rodney Green, says that the school investigated the incident immediately after they became aware of it.
“We take the well-being and safety of our students seriously. Our staff works hard to provide a safe environment where all of our students feel valued,” Green stated. He also added that the administration confirmed that the victim did not suffer serious injuries.
Lowndes High School was previously thrust into the spotlight in 2013 after Black student Kendrick Johnson was found dead with severe injuries rolled up in a gym mat. No one has been charged with his death.
