By Reporter Newspapers

Fifty Kentridge High School students were suspended this week in the aftermath of a Sept. 25 fight off campus between two students.

The two students in the fight – both 10th-grade girls – were suspended for five days while the 48 other students were suspended for three days for gathering around and watching the fight. The altercation took place about a half-mile from school grounds.

Although the fight happened after school and off school grounds, administrators say the argument began in the school, which gives them jurisdiction to suspend the students.

“We don’t look the other way when something starts at the school and then goes on somewhere else,” said district Communications Director Becky Hanks, adding that attending or observing a fight is considered promoting it.

Video of the fight was also posted on YouTube, but has since been removed.

Hanks said ramifications of such an event could reverberate back to the school. She also said rumors of the fight started during the school day, prompting the crowd.

“Forty-eight kids just don’t magically appear somewhere for a fight,” Hanks said. “They went there because they knew there was going to be a fight.”

Hanks said reports of the fight got back to school officials, and the administration took prompt action. Each student involved was individually addressed by the principal before the suspension was handed down.

There were no charges brought following the fight and it does not appear to be gang-related.

Brian Beckley can be reached at bbeckley@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5054.