KC says Grade 9 students in viral video were trying to help, not bully

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston College (KC) says two Grade 9 students seen holding a Grade 7 student over a stairwell in a viral video were trying to help him and were not bullying, intimidating or attempting to harm him. In a letter to parents and guardians dated September 30, Principal Dave Myrie said the school had completed a comprehensive investigation into the incident and found that there was “absolutely no bullying involved”. READ: KC student seen hanging from rail was not being bullied, sources claim READ: KC principal responds to viral video of student being held over railing The investigation included a review of available video footage, written reports from the students involved, interviews with students and relevant persons, discussions with staff, communication with parents and meetings with the students and their parents.

The school also said the matter was reviewed with relevant external agencies and personnel. According to the school, the evidence did not establish that the Grade 9 students were bullying, intimidating, attacking or attempting to harm the Grade 7 student. “On the contrary, the evidence established that the Grade 9 students were trying to help him and prevent him from coming to harm in what was a concerning and potentially dangerous situation,” the school said.

KC said the students had subsequently been portrayed as “villains” through comments and interpretations arising from the circulation of the video, but said that portrayal was not supported by the findings of its investigation. “The school wishes to place on record that the Grade 9 students were trying to assist their fellow student, and Kingston College has applauded and commended them for their efforts to help,” the letter said. The school also investigated a separate allegation that the Grade 7 student had been bullied by a boy in his class.

According to KC, meetings were held with the relevant students, their parents and the form teacher, but the investigation found “absolutely no evidence of bullying”. The form teacher reportedly told the school that no concern or report of bullying involving the student had been brought to his attention since the start of the school year. KC also said no complaint or report of bullying concerning the student had been made to the school before the incident.

The school urged parents and guardians to use established communication chann…