JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Parents and students said the fight that caused racial tension at Ocean Way Middle School Friday was not surprising because violence has been an extensive problem at the school.
Action News Jax got video of the fight between students in the cafeteria.
Several witnesses said the student who took the beating provoked the fist-fight by using a derogatory word.
Students came to school Friday wearing colored T-shirts that the school district said was a sign of support for the students involved in the fight.
This led to increased racial tension and security on campus, according to school officials.
One student told Action News Jax the fight was one of several this week.
Gabriel Peralta showed Action News Jax a black eye he said he got when he was hit by a bully during a different fight on Thursday.
His father Daniel Peralta said the school should be examined to make sure they are following protocol.
“I would like them to take a serious approach to a child’s safety and create an environment for children where they’re able to learn rather than be afraid,” said Peralta.
District leaders said they are investigating other alleged fights at the school.
“There’s been a lot of violence lately,” said Alyssa Wright, a student at Oceanway.
“It’s scary, very scary,” said grandmother Loretha Jackson.
Parents were sent a recording from the district Friday that explained safety concerns on campus.
The district said the four involved in Thursday’s fight face discipline and weren’t in school Friday.
Some parents said they will pull their kids out of Oceanway Middle School because of the recent safety concerns.
Duval County Public Schools said they are adding more programs at Oceanway Middle School to address issues such as fighting.
Programs include peer-mediating and mental health counselors along with support groups.