A 16-year-old male student at Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island, has been arrested and charged with two counts of assault on persons with severe impairments following a disturbing incident in the school’s locker room. The suspect allegedly assaulted a special needs student, using a whip to lash the victim on both the body and face. The incident has sparked outrage, further fueled by video evidence circulating online (via Newportbuzz / IG) that appears to show other football players present during the assault, failing to intervene or report the incident to school authorities.
Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain expressed deep concern regarding the bystanders’ inaction, stating the video revealed a failure to intervene or alert adults. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of bullying and the responsibility of bystanders to act, particularly when vulnerable individuals are targeted. The legal proceedings against the accused student are underway, and the school district is likely facing scrutiny regarding its policies and procedures for preventing and addressing such incidents.