Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus
The Harrisburg School District will receive support from city police following a recent incident of violence.
Harrisburg announced on Thursday that it will boost police presence at Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus in response to a fight on Tuesday involving at least 22 students.
“The incident that happened this week [at John Harris High School] was unconscionable,” Police Commissioner Thomas Carter said. “The students need to have a safe and community-driven learning environment in order for them to thrive.”
During the fight, one student was injured and received medical treatment, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by district Superintendent Eric Turman. The district plans to impose the most serious disciplinary actions possible under its student code of conduct and discipline code, which could include expulsion or suspension, Turman added.
“An incident like this is extremely upsetting and troubling for our entire school community,” Turman said. “Acts of violence and/or inappropriate behavior simply will not be tolerated on school property.”
As part of the partnership between the district, the police bureau and the city, police officers will conduct ongoing wellness checks at the high school.
In addition to increased police presence, the bureau has offered to work with school district security staff on how to deal with incidents like the one that occurred this week.
According to Carter, additional police presence is available for any district school that requests or requires extra safety measures.
The school district also recently hired a director of school police officers to focus on building relationships between the district, law enforcement, students, families and the community, Turman said.
“We are completely committed to ensuring that our schools are safe for everyone,” he said.
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