Spring Valley video: What they’re saying

Richland 2 Superintendent Debbie Hamm:

“I have spent almost four decades working in this district, and in those 40 years here, this has been one of the most upsetting incidents I have experienced. ... We will do whatever it takes to prevent anything like what happened yesterday from occurring again. ... We are sensitive to how this incident and these graphic images have affected our community and, most importantly, our students and our parents. This event should not define Richland School District 2.”

Richland 2 Board Chairman James Manning:

“This is a great school district, and we have much to be proud of. I know this district well, not only through my service on the board, but also as a parent of a Richland 2 student. Yesterday’s incident was an outrageous exception to the culture, conduct and standards in which we so strongly believe in in this district. ... What happened yesterday – what we all watched on that shamefully shocking video – is reprehensible, unforgivable and inconsistent with everything that this district stands for, what we work for and what we aspire to be. ... The safety and the dignity of our students is our highest priority.”

Spring Valley High School Principal Jeff Temoney:

“In a situation like yesterday, you see the sheer painfulness of watching it, and as it went on, it’s really upsetting – incredibly upsetting. Maybe like you, it hit me in the gut. ... Our district and our school have zero tolerance for what occurred. I personally have zero tolerance as well. I think of our 2,000 students as my own.”

Richland 2 Black Parents Association:

“The unfortunate actions of this police officer (have) revealed what many African-American parents have experienced in this district for a very long time. This is just another example of why we must have an independent assessment from various parties including the Department of Justice to examine policies and practices in the district. We applaud the federal government’s inquiry.”

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman:

“I am greatly concerned by these videos. The safety of our students is always our No. 1 priority. School districts contract with hundreds of dedicated school resource officers who work hard to protect our students across South Carolina. However, these videos and what they appear to show should concern all of us in public education. While it is vital that students have respect for law enforcement, it is equally important that law enforcement ensure they do not abuse the power and trust school districts instill in them.

“I am pleased that Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has moved quickly to place the officer on unpaid leave and initiate a thorough investigation of the officer involved, by reaching out to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice. Richland School District 2’s Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm has acted swiftly to ensure that pending the result of the investigation, the officer will not be working within any of the district’s schools. This matter must be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action taken.”

Lonnie Randolph, president of the South Carolina chapter of the NAACP:

“It is no secret that the officer responded in the most aggressive manner that he possibly could have responded. Did I think it was proper for him to dump the young student out of the chair and then throw her across the room? Of course not. There are several things that were done improperly. ... I’m comfortable with saying that race is a factor. Race is indeed a factor. ... We do have a problem in South Carolina. We do have a problem in America. ... Race is always a problem. ... I think (the officer) should be charged, yes. But again, I believe in giving a fair chance. This officer’s response was not what I would consider to be a fair chance, and I expect the response to be such that they respond to how he acted.”

Victoria Middleton, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina:

“There is no justification whatsoever for treating a child like this. Regardless of the reason for the officer’s actions, such egregious use of force – against young people who are sitting in their classrooms – is outrageous. School should be a place to learn and grow, not a place to be brutalized. We must take action to address the criminalization of children in South Carolina, especially at school.”

Rashad Robinson, executive director of online civil rights group ColorofChange.org:

“There can be no justification for officer Fields’ brutal assault on a black student in her classroom. Officer Fields is unfit to be a police officer or to work with students in any capacity. Thousands of people are demanding that local authorities take responsibility and immediately fire officer Fields and prosecute him. We’re also demanding that charges be dropped against students already victimized by officer Fields’ actions.”

U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles:

“I hope the community will remain calm so that we can conduct a thorough and thoughtful investigation. At the conclusion of that investigation, we’ll be happy to discuss our findings with the community.”

Hillary Clinton, on Twitter:

“There is no excuse for violence inside a school. The #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh is unacceptable—schools should be safe places.”

Bree Newsome, the woman arrested this summer in the removal of the Confederate flag from its former pole on State House grounds, on Twitter:

“Since we can safely assume all incidents of police brutality aren’t caught on tape... + #AssaultAtSpringValley ..what does high # of police brutality incidents caught on camera indicate about how often it’s actually occurring?” #AssaultAtSpringValley”

This story was originally published October 27, 2015 at 10:13 PM with the headline "Spring Valley video: What they’re saying."