I find the video showing school resource officer Deputy Ben Fields slamming a female South Carolina student incredibly disturbing for a multitude of reasons, including the manner in which Fields grabbed the young lady by the neck, the “this is normal” demeanor some of the other students exhibited and even the way the girl was tossed across the floor.
Also disturbing to me is the fact that the Spring Valley High School student disobeyed and blatantly ignored demands for her to leave the classroom. Let’s start with that issue first. Many children today lack respect for authority figures.
Growing up, I was told when an adult — especially someone like a teacher or relative — told you to do something, you do it, period. But that isn’t the case nowadays. Kids are continually challenging adults in ways that are not only disrespectful, but can ultimately get that child hurt, or worse, killed. This is a growing problem, though I don’t place all the blame on the children. Parents and guardians are also to blame. We must educate youth of today on the importance of listening to authority figures.
There is no reason that student should have defied instruction from two authority figures prior to the officer being called.
Once the officer arrived, he told the young lady to go with him or he’d “make” her; she still didn’t go. That’s when the officer grabbed her by the neck, slammed her on the ground while she was still seated at her desk, then tossed her across the floor, ultimately straddling her back and handcuffing her.
The minor should have listened to the officer initially; however, her disobedience did not warrant the type of physical force he displayed. At Recorder press time, Richland County officials had yet to determine Fields’ fate, but he was on paid administrative leave.
Another disturbing aspect of the video was the other students’ reactions. While the majority seemed to be silent while watching the encounter, there were others who were on their laptops, as if such an event was nothing out of the ordinary.
I’m glad the students remained calm and stayed seated, however I question the impact such an occurrence, and others similar to that one, have had on our children. Are they so used to seeing law enforcement officials using excessive force they have become desensitized? Is that how we want our children to be? The state this country is currently in, as well as the direction we are headed, is deeply concerning to me. An unfortunate aspect of all this violence — especially the excessive force many officers use — is the need for quality training, yet many cities across the country are faced with budget deficits, so public safety needs get put on the backburner.
Funds have also been limited for re-entry programs for ex-offenders. This is why voting is essential.
We have to elect people who represent the greater good of the community. We must elect people who are passionate about reducing crime, holding individuals accountable and actually doing the work their position calls for.
Nov. 3 is Election Day, and I implore you to vote, as key local government races will be on the ballot. While it’s not a presidential or gubernatorial election, casting your vote is still immensely important. Statistics show during “off years” like this, where there are not a lot of big offices up for election, voter turnout decreases significantly. We must counter such dismal stats by exercising our right to vote. One major aspect of next week’s election that should get you to the polls is the recent redistricting of the City-County Council; key districts that affect our community are up for grabs.
And if you don’t want to vote because you’re lazy, do it for those who came before us. Do it for the slaves of yesteryear, the civil rights advocates who endured threats, hosing and vicious dog attacks in their quest to vote. Let all those who came before us know you appreciate them, their sacrifice and their courage. We must not get complacent nor should we ignore the ills that we face locally. Do your part toward making Indianapolis a better, safer and more vibrant place to live and work.
GO VOTE on Nov. 3!
