Vero Beach High School seniors involved in a prank district officials considered to be bordering on vandalism can still walk at graduation, and won’t face criminal charges.
School officials have met with the students involved and their parents, district spokesperson Kyra Schafte said May 4. Any discipline being considered does not include revocation of their participating in senior activities or graduation, she said.
Students participated in what is considered to be a senior prank on the VBHS main campus that included the use of toilet paper, flipping chairs and tables and the use of shaving cream, Schafte said. Some of the actions taken “approached the line between a prank and behavior that could be considered vandalism,” a May 4 statement issued by the School District said.
School District officials reviewed videotapes of the incident. While the district is not pursuing criminal charges against the students, the issue is being addressed in accordance with the district Code of Student Conduct, the statement issued by the School District said.
“Our commitment is to ensure students understand the seriousness of their actions while applying appropriate accountability without creating long-term negative impacts on their future. Disciplinary measures will be enforced, and restitution will be required where appropriate,” the statement said. “The district remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and orderly learning environment for all students and staff.”
Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida high school decides whether teens in senior prank can graduate
Reporting by Colleen Wixon, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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