D.C. police and public school officials are investigating after multiple groups started fighting at a southeast D.C. high school on Monday leaving several people hurt.
The reported fight happened at Bard High School Early College D.C. located on the 4400 block of H Street, police said after students had been evacuated following a fire-related call.
Around 12:30 p.m., students and staff were evacuated after the smell of smoke was reported in the teacher's lounge, school officials said.
D.C. Fire and EMS arrived and inspected the building. No flames or fires were found in the building.
Around 1:45 p.m. fire officials gave an all-clear.
While students were waiting to get back inside, fights broke out between several groups. Both MPD and DCPS police responded to the scene.
D.C. police said no arrests were made. School officials are working to identify the students involved.
D.C. Fire and EMS said one person was taken to the hospital and two others were treated for injuries at the scene.
The ages and identities of those injured have not been released.
D.C. Fire officials said all injuries are minor as they continue to investigate the circumstances.
Here's a copy of the letter sent home to parents and families:
"Dear Bard High School Early College Parents and Families:
At Bard, we highly value and are committed to fostering a learning environment where students are safe and secure. A large part of that commitment is communicating potential safety issues with families when they arise. Around 12:30 p.m. today, students and staff were evacuated after the smell of smoke was reported in the teacher’s lounge. DC Fire and Emergency Services (FEMS) was immediately called and arrived promptly to inspect our building.
They did not find any flames or fire within the building. Around 1:45 p.m., FEMS concluded their walkthrough and gave us the all-clear to re-enter the building. However, while we awaited the all-clear at our evacuation site, a physical altercation between groups of students occurred. The conflicts occurred quickly and in the presence of other students and Bard staff.
The altercations resulted in a significant presence of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DCPS Police, who assisted in de-escalating the situation and separating the involved parties. Following these incidents, we will complete the proper reporting and security procedures.
School administrators are working to identify the students involved, and we will work with parents and families on any mandatory disciplinary action along with mediation following DCPS policies and procedures. We will also continue to connect with students on the importance of nonviolence and positive conflict resolution. Please be assured that the safety of our students is always paramount. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at (202) 898-4664 or reach out via email to vanessa.anderson2@k12.dc.gov or Kennard.Branch@k12.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Anderson, Principal Kennard Branch, Head of School Bard High School Early College"