Statement regarding the incidents of 12/12 and 13/12/03

On Friday December 12, a personal dispute between two adolescent students (from Armenia) developed into a fight where several other students joined in, some to separate and others to ‘help’ their friend. The school administration resolved the matter on the same day.
On the next day, however, another student who wasn’t directly involved in the previous night’s dispute, was assaulted by two strangers near the AGBU club, who hit him on the head and scratched his arms with a sharp tool.  The necessary first aid and hospital check up confirmed that there was no danger to the student’s health.
To help the school investigate the matter and to offset any misunderstandings, the administration after conferring with the students’ parents, decided to transfer the five students involved in the earlier fight to a responsible adult’s home for three days.  Upon their return, a follow up conflict resolution meeting took place to eradicate any ill feelings.  The boys made up and shook hands.
As for the assault, the incident was reported to the police for investigation, and it is confirmed that the two incidents are not linked to each other. 
There are no ‘gangs’ in the school, but it is quite natural for students to become closer to whomever they choose.  There is no reason for adolescent disputes or misunderstandings to be linked with the reputation of the school.

MEI Administration

20/12/2003