East Providence High School removes student A from cheerleading after assault incident

The East Providence School District School Committee convened on March 26, 2025, to address a serious incident involving two students, which has raised significant concerns about student safety and conduct. The committee reviewed the case of Student A, who was involved in an assault on Student B after a track practice at LaSalle Academy on January 13, 2025.

The incident was reported by Student B's parent, who stated that Student A assaulted Student B in the parking lot. Video evidence confirmed that Student A pursued and attacked Student B. Following the incident, Student A was removed from the cheerleading team in accordance with the school's athletic code of conduct, pending further review. The Providence Police were also involved, leading to simple assault charges against Student A.

Athletic Director Alex Butler emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all students and reiterated that the conduct expected of East Providence High School athletes extends beyond the field. The committee upheld the decision to suspend Student A for the remainder of the cheerleading season after an appeal was made by Student A's parent, confirming that the school had followed proper procedures.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the ongoing nature of the conflict between the two students, with Student A's parent arguing that the situation involved harassment and provocation from Student B. This perspective highlighted the complexities of the incident and the need for thorough investigations in such cases.

In addition to the incident review, the committee also discussed updates to school policies, including a first reading of the Naloxone and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) policies. These updates aim to ensure compliance with state laws and improve safety protocols within the district.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the district's commitment to student safety and the importance of addressing behavioral issues promptly and fairly. As the spring season begins, the committee remains focused on fostering a positive and secure environment for all students.