Watch VideoStudents expelled in alleged Pueblo West High School attack
Story By: Susan Davies
Source: KOAA
The District 70 Board Room was packed Tuesday night as board members announced a decision to expel two football team members for an alleged attack on a fellow student last month.
Family members of the accused spoke passionately about fairness, while the father of the injured boy spoke of justice. "My son sustained injury, lasting physical and emotional, he's not better yet, or ever," said Bernie Cordova, the victim's father. The boy, a sophomore received a broken jaw
The majority of those at the meeting favored leniency for the accused pair. They claim they were settling a score with a chronic bully. They also say expulsion is an extremely serious punishment. The victim's father disagreed, saying his son is a fine young man with a clean record.
The board agreed to expel the football players for 365 days after a short discussion. The vote was four to one. The boys have the option of attending Futures Academy near Boone, but may not go back to Pueblo West High School. Supporters of the pair , including Ruth Taravella, a former Pueblo West principal and grandmother of one of the boys, anticipated this outcome and vow to appeal the action.
