Legal Battle Erupts Over Assault in Florence School

News Summary

A parent has filed a lawsuit against Florence One Schools after a shocking incident involving a former school security officer at Greenwood Elementary. The altercation occurred when the parent, Jane Doe, attempted to pick up her children, leading to violent actions from the security officer. The incident raises concerns about school safety protocols and staff training, prompting community outrage and calls for change. As the case unfolds, parents are left questioning the safety measures in place for their children.

Controversy Erupts in Florence After Parent’s Assault by School Security Officer

Florence, SC, finds itself in the midst of a heated legal battle after a parent, affectionately dubbed Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against the local school district, Florence One Schools. This comes in the wake of a shocking incident involving a former school security officer that has left many in the community questioning safety protocols in schools.

The Incident at Greenwood Elementary

The action in question took place at Greenwood Elementary, where tensions boiled over after Jane Doe attempted to pick up her daughter and nephew from school. The drama unfolded when a school administrator informed her that she could not sign out the children past the cut-off time of 1:30 p.m. Intrigued by the sudden change, Jane reached out to the district office and was told that the actual cut-off for early pick-ups was 1:45 p.m.

Things turned chaotic as Jane tried to share this piece of information with the school staff. Despite her attempts to reason with the administrators, she was reportedly met with resistance. It was at this point that Terrence Alonzo Hicks, the security officer on duty, allegedly intervened in a violent manner. Shockingly, Hicks is said to have placed Jane in handcuffs, forcibly slammed her to the ground, and even sat on her head.

The Legal Fallout

In the aftermath of the bizarre confrontation, Hicks faced criminal charges for second-degree assault and battery, which contributed to his termination from the school security team. Jane Doe’s lawsuit, which was officially filed by attorneys John Mobley and Alesia Flores last week in state court, criticizes the school district for allegedly neglecting to train and supervise its security staff effectively. The complaint insists that the Greenwood staff were not properly instructed on how to handle situations with parents or diffuse conflicts.

A Principal’s Admission

Adding fuel to the fire, the principal of Greenwood Elementary has acknowledged that the school’s posted cut-off time signs were incorrect. These signs had been displayed long before her tenure, so it’s unclear how many parents may have been misinformed. Once she became aware of the mistake, she took action to correct the signage.

In a twist, following the incident, the principal reportedly informed law enforcement that Jane Doe had indeed arrived before the correct cut-off time and did not support the idea of her being issued a trespass notice. This raises further questions about the training and processes put in place at the school.

Community Reaction and Emotional Impact

This unsettling incident occurred in broad daylight, witnessed by Jane’s daughter and several other parents, leaving a community shaken. The attorneys representing Jane Doe argue that the entire situation was completely avoidable and has led to significant physical, emotional, and psychological distress for both Jane and her daughter. Despite the turmoil, Jane Doe has reportedly not received any apology from Florence One Schools.

What’s Next for Florence One Schools?

The lawsuit seeks damages for the injuries and humiliation that Jane Doe claims to have suffered as a result of the incident. In response, officials from Florence One Schools stated they would address inquiries once classes resume after spring break. Meanwhile, the security company that employed Hicks has yet to respond to requests for comments, leaving the community with lingering questions.

This incident invites serious reflection on school safety protocols and how conflicts between parents and school officials are handled. As the case unfolds, many are left wondering: How can schools ensure the safety and well-being of students and their families during such tense moments?

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• WPDE News
• KPAX News
• WHNT News
• ABC News 4
• WBTW News
• Wikipedia: School Security
• Google Search: Florence One Schools incident
• Google Scholar: Florence One Schools lawsuit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
• Google News: Florence school security incident