BHAS to host "safety coalition" meeting amid rising school violence

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. --- Benton Harbor Area Schools is gearing up for the first meeting of the safety coalition Thursday night.

Superintendent Shelly Walker said the purpose the BHAS Safety Coalition is to respond to the rising behaviors exhibited by children within the community. Videos posted online of Benton Harbor students fighting in the school went viral in December 2017.

“My heart goes out to the children,” said one parent at a school board meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at McCoy’s Memorial Church of God on Union Street. BHAS invites local leaders, parents of students, pastors, and other community members to come together.

Dr. Walker said this is not just a school issue. At the meeting on Tuesday, many parents sounded off on the violence inside of the schools.

“I was scared when I heard about the big fight,” a parent said. “I know some of the kids and they were saying they were bringing guns and stuff to school.”

Dr. Walker said she believes unity is necessary to support the youth, and the community agrees.

“Let’s come out, let’s have a dialogue,” said a meeting attendee.