Crockett protest

Close to 100 parents and students gathered Friday in protest - asking for the resignation of a Crockett junior high assistant principal.

"My child was choked by the assistant principal, and we want the school to do something about it," D.D. Sandate said. "My son's at the Alternative Center for the rest of the year because of this."

Sandate said her son, Savon Beane, was choked during school on Wednesday.

ECISD Communications Director Mike Adkins said Crockett assistant principal Oscar Guzman acted within his duties when he restrained two eighth-graders Wednesday.

On Friday, there were parents and children who were holding up signs that said, "Educate not incarcerate" and "Choking is not the answer."

Crockett Junior High principal Ysmael Lujan said Guzman didn't choke Savon and was acting on school guidelines.

"He did nothing wrong," Lujan said. "He's supposed to restrain a kid when they're disobedient."

Crockett orchestra director Larisa Bairámova, who was leaving the school Friday afternoon, stopped to ask the protesters what they were doing. Afterward, she said she was amazed that the students could express their feelings toward the school.

"I'm amazed at the freedom these children have -I was born in Russia, and this wouldn't have happened there," Bairámova said. "I don't think this is the right way to get the point across, though."

There were only about 30 people at the protest until school let out at 4 p.m. After that, ECISD police officers had to block off parts of Conover Avenue because of students running in front of cars to join the protest across the street.

Bairámova said she believes Crockett could be the least disciplined school in the district.

"Students talk back to teachers; they get into fights all the time - it's horrible," she said. "If they don't respect the teachers, they won't learn anything."