An angry and worried crowd gathered on Thursday to voice their concerns about a recent double stabbing at James Lick High School in San Jose.
There was large crowd of upset parents, students and community members gathered to demand the East Side Union High School District do more to keep their kids safe.
The coalition that crowded into the school board meeting had plenty to say and wanted to say it directly to the board members.
Coalition members said they’re concerned about violence at James Lick High School in San Jose such as this fight captured on phone video last month that resulted in two underage students being stabbed. Both recovered.
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But the group pointed out the stabbing was not the only violence on campus this year. and claimed just days before the stabbing, some teens and adults came to James Lick and attacked students and even two staff members.
“Drug use on campus. There’s gang activity that’s not being addressed, bullying that’s not being addressed and I think it’s important that we start to hold those students accountable,” said Mike Gatenby with the Eastside Coalition.
Students and teachers also set up an altar at James Lick shortly after the violence to allow for prayers for peace and unity.
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The school district set up more security around the campus perimeter .. and hired an extra patrol officer. But students who addressed the board want more.. including actual law enforcement presence.
The district will review all the testimony it heard tonight and reiterated a statement that its first concern is always the safety of the students, families and staff impacted by the event.
Robert Handa has more in the video above.
