Police and school officials have refused comment on the release of a brutal attack perpetrated by Lyons Township High School sophomore student, Heavyn Washington on another student.
In the video, Washington punches another girl in the face several times, and then grabs her by the hair and drags her across the floor.
The victim, a freshman, has since been hospitalized West Cook News has learned.
A source told West Cook News, ““Heavyn told friends she attacked her classmate because ‘she was being racist.' ”
Washington’s accomplice, who videotaped the exchange, cheered on the attack.
“Beat her ass, racist ass bitch, yes!!!” the student yelled. “Beat her ass Heaven, beat her ass ho.”
Superintendent Brian Waterman and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Jennifer Rowe did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication.
The La Grange Police Department also did not respond to a request for comment.
Principal Jen Tyrrell released a statement noting the video was making the rounds on social media.
"We are reaching out today to share that we are aware of a social media post circulating that shows a student assaulting another student. Our team is currently working to
investigate the situation, obtain additional information, and support students who have been impacted. Please know we are also collaborating with the Western Springs Police
Department as they investigate this incident."
"These types of situations reinforce the importance of the relationships we maintain with students, specifically as it relates to school safety. Each student, parent and staff member
plays an important role, and we are appreciative of everyone's efforts. Lyons Township High School will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of creating an inclusive school culture that focuses on belonging, respect, equity, and empathy. We will continue to stand against all forms of harmful behavior and rhetoric. To that end, please know that LTHS does not tolerate any language, behavior or action that fails to support these ideals."
Washington has a history of cyber-bullying and threatening students who express perspectives she may find contrary to her own beliefs.
She questioned fellow student Leslie Mendoza's authenticity as a Latina after she disagreed with the student's leadership role on campus.
“[Y]ou are a minority fighting against us, you're a hypocrite and overall just an awful person,” she told Mendoza in a message.
Washington added in another message, ”I seriously wanna watch y'all get covid LMFAO vall most likelv alread do white people are one of the nastiest kind so y'all most likely already have it nasty asses.”
Washington was featured in news across the region last year after accusing her fellow students of racism online. The incident triggered a rally a week and a half later.
"[S]tudents organized in the library for a non-school sanctioned sit-in on the topic of racial equality. This sit-in was attended and partially moderated by school administration and staff. A short time after the sit-in concluded, a large number of students gathered and walked to the Performing Arts Center to continue voicing their opinions and concerns," police noted in a Feb. 14 report of the protest.
Despite her comments disparaging Latinos and whites, Washington holds herself out to be a warrior against racism.
She spoke on the issue as a counterpoint to a mask protest at a February Lyons Township High School board meeting.
"What are we doing to end the racism?" she asked. "It's been going on since my great grandmother went to LT. It sucks that we have to have a racist outbreak to actually speak upon the situation.”
In fact, Washington is connected to a Change.org petition to “hold all racist students, students who have said racial slurs, and who have hate-crimed other students who attend LTHS accountable for their actions.”
Lyons Township High School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Dr. Jennifer Rowe makes $150,000 per year.
In this role, she oversees community engagement on DEI issues.
"By having such a position, it truly demonstrates that the community values equity and belonging and understands how it connects to academic success, social emotional learning, wellness, and all other aspects of developing citizens who value all people in a diverse world,” Rowe said in a statement when hired.
Her voice on Washington’s behavior is notably absent in the public sphere.
See video here.
Photo: Heavyn Washington / Credit: YouTube
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