Quakertown School Board expected to address violent clash between police and students

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — The Quakertown School District is expected to address the violent encounter between police and students during last week’s anti-ICE protest.

During Thursday’s regular school board meeting, the public comment portion has been moved to the beginning of the agenda in anticipation of a large turnout.

Five teens were arrested during the clash with police on Friday. According to attorneys and family members, some of the students are facing aggravated assault charges.

READ MORE | Quakertown students facing aggravated assault charges following clash with police chief

Video of the confrontation shows Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree – not in uniform at the time – engaging with the teens and appearing to put a 15-year-old in a chokehold. Calls for his resignation have grown in the days since the incident.

Defense attorney Donald Souders, who represents one of the students, said part of the defense argues that the teens did not know McElree was a police officer when he approached them.

RELATED | Calls grow for Quakertown police chief’s resignation after protest confrontation

In a letter sent to families Wednesday night, the district said that since students returned to school, many have been utilizing crisis counseling services made available after the incident.

Quakertown police initially said some students engaged in “disruptive behavior” during the walkout, including hitting and kicking cars and blocking traffic. Students have countered that some of the altercations stemmed from harassment by drivers in trucks.

The police department, borough council and district attorney’s office have declined to comment further until the investigation is complete.

Read the full letter shared by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa Hoffman:

“In our continued effort to provide updated information regarding the events of February 20, I am writing to let you know about a format change for tomorrow night’s regularly scheduled School Board meeting at 7 p.m. at our district offices at 100 Commerce Drive.

The Board is moving the public comment period to the beginning of the meeting in anticipation that an increased number of residents may wish to speak this week. The Board and administration are committed to listening to our school community, to gathering feedback, and to continuing to be as responsive as possible, while also focusing on providing the safest and most supportive school environment for our students and staff.

The School Board has chosen to move all non-essential items to a special-called meeting on Tuesday, March 3, in order to offer an opportunity for district residents, employees, students, and taxpayers to provide comment on matters of concern, official action, or deliberation that are or may be before the Board. Because this is a full business meeting of the school board, and not a town hall-style community meeting, public comment will still be limited to three minutes. We will follow our protocol for public comment as outlined in School Board Policy 903.

I am very pleased to share that our high school students have overwhelmingly been positive as they have returned to school this week, coming together to support each other during this challenging time. Students have taken advantage of the crisis counselling services we have offered through our school counselors, school psychologists, SAP counselors, and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. We will continue to offer access to support services for any students who feel that it might be beneficial.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our school community as we are doing all we can to focus on student welfare and wellness as our students have returned to class this week, amidst significant media attention. Thank you to our dedicated and caring staff who continue to be supportive of our students, and to all in our school community who have reached out. If you have questions or concerns, as always, please feel free to contact me directly.”