‘Justice for my child': Mother sues Prince George's school board for negligence over classroom fight

A mother is suing the Prince George’s County Board of Education for negligence following allegations of a classroom fight involving her daughter that took place in front of a teacher and was caught on video.

Sacona Graham wiped away tears on Monday as she talked about what happened to her 10-year-old daughter at a news conference in the presence of her lawyers.

“For my child to have to endure what she did, it’s not right,” Graham said. “I want justice for my child.”

Footage shows students counting down before a fight in January between a boy and Graham's daughter. Classmates cheered and recorded with their phones. Though the the fight happened in earlier in the year, Graham only found out later, when video was posted on social media.

Attorneys said the little girl suffered serious injuries, and according to her mother, she has not returned to the classroom since the fight came to light.

Graham's is now suing the board of education for negligence, because the teacher allegedly did nothing to stop the children at Cora Rice Elementary School. Her attorney said the teacher stood by and even encouraged the children to fight.

“[She] allowed and enticed her fifth grade students to verbally and physically assault Ms. Graham’s minor daughter while in her classroom,” attorney Petra Aaron said.

A teacher seen briefly in the video has resigned, according to Prince George’s County Public Schools, but the school system did not say if that was related to the fight video. They also would not comment on the lawsuit.

In a statement, the school system said administrators have been made aware that some fifth-grade students have been taking part in what they call “the fight game.”

The school’s principal sent a letter to parents referring to “horseplaying and play fighting."

“Some of the students are engaging in ‘The Fight Game,’” the letter reads. “The students set the rules (no hitting my face, pulling of hair, etc.) and countdown while two students fight. While we understand that children may engage in playful activities, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of maintaining safe and respectful behavior at all times. Such behaviors can lead to real fights, accidents, and injuries, which we aim to prevent to ensure the well-being of all students.”

In response, Graham's attorney Gwen-Marie Davis Hicks doubled down that "it is no game to fight in a classroom with 10-year-olds."

The letter went on to say that students are supposed to have their cellphones turned off and in their backpacks during school hours. The principal also said the school will monitor bathrooms more closely, encourage responsible decision making, and implement a reward system to recognize and celebrate positive student behavior.

But Graham said her daughter has already lost her sense of safety.

"I’m beyond devastated. I haven’t ate, haven’t slept," she said.

It’s unclear if any students were disciplined.