This photo is making the rounds -- two teenage boys at a high school in Mesa, Ariz., forced to hold hands during lunch as punishment for fighting. But did the penalty go too far?
The two students from Westwood High School, located near 8th St and Alma School, are seen hiding their faces in the photo. Dozens of other students stand around them and watch.
The teens chose this form of punishment as an alternative to a suspension. Dr. Tim Richards, a fairly new principal at Westwood, gave them a choice – hold hands or be suspended for fighting.
But is this kind of humiliation appropriate in a public school? Some classmates say the two teens are taking a lot of heat on campus.
FOX 10's Andrew Hasbun talked to students. Most of them say Dr. Richards did the right thing. However, the district sees it differently.
"The district does not condone the choice of in-school discipline given these students, regardless of their acceptance or willingness to participate," an official stated.
What is not clear is whether or not the students' parents knew about the punishment and agreed to it.
As for what might happen to the principal, the district only said they will address the matter with him.
Full statement by Helen Hollands, Communications Director for Mesa Public Schools
Mesa Public Schools is dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. The district has guidelines for appropriate student discipline, and our site administrators have the authority to impose consequences within our policies and regulations. The district does not condone the choice of in-school discipline given these students, regardless of their acceptance or willingness to participate. District leadership will address this matter with the school principal, and review district protocol regarding student discipline with all administrators.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:46 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:46:08 GMT
A car has crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village. At least eight people are injured. Three victims are in serious condition, said FDNY officials. A white colored vehicle that may have jumped the curb and struck the store came to a stop in a cross walk. It sustained heavy front-end damage. There is a large emergency response on scene.
A car has crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village. At least eight people are injured. Three victims are in serious condition, said FDNY officials. A white colored vehicle that may have jumped the curb and struck the store came to a stop in a cross walk. It sustained heavy front-end damage. There is a large emergency response on scene.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
