School Officer Suspended for Just Two Days After 14-Year-Old Girl Suffers Brain Injury in School Incident

A school police officer in Charlotte, North Carolina, is facing renewed scrutiny after an incident involving a 14-year-old student left the teenager with a serious brain injury, according to reports.

The officer, Hasun Rogers, was involved in an encounter with high school freshman Ke’Nadie Cathey on October 31, during a chaotic confrontation near a school bus loading area at West Charlotte High School.

According to an internal investigation letter cited by The Charlotte Observer, Rogers lifted Cathey and slammed her onto the ground while attempting to intervene in a developing fight. The letter stated that she lost consciousness and experienced a seizure following the incident.

Cathey’s attorney, Michael Littlejohn, told The Charlotte Observer that the teenager suffered a serious brain injury. Her family has also spoken publicly about the incident, seeking accountability for what happened to their daughter.

Months later, the investigation resulted in a two-day suspension without pay for Rogers. He was also removed from his position as the school’s resource officer but was allowed to remain employed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The outcome has raised questions about how police departments investigate the use of force involving minors and what consequences officers should face when students suffer serious injuries.

According to reports, the confrontation began as school officials and officers responded to a large crowd gathering after dismissal. The investigation letter described the officer’s actions during the incident, including his account that he had been struck by the student.

The family’s response and the officer’s disciplinary outcome have drawn attention to the difficult questions surrounding school safety, police intervention and accountability.

Source: Atlanta Black Star