'Not authorized': Students say they had permission to paint NC high school spirit rock, now face investigation

[ad_1]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) – A message painted on the spirit rock at Ardrey Kell High School has led to backlash, an ongoing investigation, and confusion over whether the students involved had permission to paint it at all.

The father of one of the students who helped paint the rock, and wanted to remain anonymous, spoke our sister station WJZY, saying his daughter and two of her friends got approval before painting the message, which he said was meant to honor political commentator Charlie Kirk and his family following what he described as Kirk’s “brutal murder.”

“My daughter and her friends received permission to paint the school rock in front of Ardrey Kell HS,” the father said. “Then this email goes out to all the parents from the principal.”

He’s referring to a message sent by Principal Jamie Nichols, who told parents the school learned over the weekend that the rock had been painted with a message “not authorized or approved by the school or district.”

“Acts like these are considered vandalism to school property and are in violation of the CMS Code of Student Conduct,” Nichols wrote. “If students were responsible for the vandalism they may be disciplined. Law enforcement has been contacted and we are cooperating with the investigation.”

According to the father, all three students involved were asked to give statements, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has since threatened legal action. He also said the rock has been painted over at least twice since the original message went up.

A tip sent to WJZY claimed the students were met with hostility, including name-calling and inappropriate comments, when they attempted to repaint the rock.

WJZY asked CMS if officials were aware of the rock’s message before it was painted, and if the students received permission, as they claim. CMS stands firm by their initial messaging, stating, officials did not give permission to anyone to paint the rock.

“School officials have stated that they did not give permission to anyone to paint the spirit rock,” CMS said in a statement to WJZY. CMS did not answer WJZY’s question about whether other political figures or topics have been allowed on the spirit rock in the past.

So far, CMS has not confirmed the names of any students involved and reiterated that law enforcement is now handling part of the investigation.

[ad_2]

Ciara Lankford

Source link