Compton : Rock-Throwing Incident at School Investigated
Compton school officials have launched an investigation into a student disturbance last week at Whaley Middle School, officials said. During the brief Feb. 4 melee, an unidentified student hurled a rock at Principal Naomi Ferns, striking her in the leg.
Tensions at the school began to rise Feb. 3, when about 70 students staged a peaceful protest demanding more student activities and an accounting of how the school spent student council funds.
The situation nearly got out of hand the next day during an assembly, when some students began to criticize Ferns while other students began shouting at one another. Administrators immediately ordered students to their rooms and summoned school police for assistance. A rock struck Ferns as she led a student away from a confrontation.
A loosely organized demonstration ensued, with some students calling for Ferns’ removal. Campus police restored order less than an hour later, Acting Supt. Harold Cebrun said.
Ferns, who was not seriously injured, has been on sick leave this week and was unavailable for comment.
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