Charlotte Catholic High School Faces Bullying Allegations
CHARLOTTE — The ongoing investigation into bullying at Charlotte Catholic High School has gained significant attention after multiple families raised concerns about their children’s experiences on campus. The school is located in south Charlotte and recently announced it was looking into these serious allegations after reports surfaced from parents and students.
Who Is Affected?
Current and former students, along with their families, have reported troubling incidents of bullying. One father, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal for his child, described the harrowing experience his son endured. He explained that after transitioning to Charlotte Catholic High School from a positive experience at elementary and middle school, his son faced relentless bullying. The father reported that one student told his son, “What are you doing here, Mexican?” Further adding that another taunt included, “Nobody cares [about] you. We have the money to buy your family.”
What Are the Specific Incidents?
According to the father, the bullying escalated to physical confrontations. He recounted a troubling incident on the first day of school where his son came home in tears, stating he was bullied extensively. On another occasion, his son was physically pushed, leading to a locker room confrontation where the same student reportedly threatened, “You touch me again, I’ll kill you,” while adding, “Nobody cares if you die here.” This led to the family deciding to withdraw their son from the school.
What Actions Have Been Taken?
The father immediately reported these incidents to the school, expressing dissatisfaction with the response he received. He recounted a conversation with the school counselor, where he felt his concerns were not taken seriously, noting the counselor’s comment, “Oh, that happens here.” Despite assurances that an investigation would commence, the father claimed his son was never consulted about his experiences after the initial report.
Community Reactions and Further Reports
The troubling experiences are not isolated. Channel 9 has been in contact with other parents, some of whom also feel a sense of fear about speaking out publicly for fear their children might be targeted. One parent shared a video allegedly showing bullying incidents involving football players in the locker room, adding to the climate of concern.
School’s Response
Charlotte Catholic High School has acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations. They confirmed that they are currently investigating three specific incidents involving football players and reported that disciplinary actions have already been instituted. These measures include expulsions, suspensions, and removal from sports teams.
Aftermath for Affected Families
The family that spoke with reporters expressed regret over their son’s experience and the subsequent decision to pull him out of the school. The father articulated his guilt, sharing, “I feel guilty, you know, because I pushed him [in] going to [that] school. It’s my fault.” Though the family made the difficult choice to leave Charlotte Catholic, they continue to grapple with the emotional ramifications of their decision.
The investigation into Charlotte Catholic High School’s bullying culture remains ongoing, with many in the community hopeful the school will take robust action to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
