Harrisburg High School – John Harris Campus
The Harrisburg School District will receive support from city police following a recent incident of violence.
Harrisburg announced Thursday that it would increase police presence at Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus in response to a fight Tuesday involving at least 22 students.
“The incident that happened this week [at John Harris High School] was inadmissible,” Police Commissioner Thomas Carter said. “Students need a safe, community-focused learning environment to thrive.”
During the scuffle, a student was injured and received medical attention, according to a statement released Wednesday by District Superintendent Eric Turman. The district plans to impose the most severe disciplinary action possible under its student conduct code and discipline code, which could include expulsion or suspension, Turman added.
“An incident like this is extremely upsetting and disturbing to 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 district, police bureau, and city partnership, officers will conduct ongoing wellness checks at the high school.
In addition to an increased police presence, the office has offered to work with school district security personnel on how to handle incidents like the one that happened this week.
According to Carter, additional police presence is available for any school district that requests or requires additional security measures.
The school district also recently hired a director of school policing to focus on building relationships between the district, law enforcement, students, families and the community, Turman said.
“We are totally committed to making sure our schools are safe for everyone,” he said.
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