The father of a Texas high schooler killed by another student at a track and field meet in April is criticizing the school district for allowing his alleged killer to graduate, despite the fact that school officials have stated that the teen will not be permitted to attend the graduation ceremony.
According to CBS News Texas, NBC 5 DFW, and the Dallas Morning News, the Frisco Independent School District (FISD) superintendent confirmed that Karmelo Anthony, 18, will not be attending a graduation ceremony after being accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, 17, at a track meet last month.
The advocacy group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) confirmed to the outlets in a statement that Anthony, a Frisco Centennial High School student, will receive his diploma and graduate this year because he has a 3.7 GPA and has completed all graduation requirements.
He will not, however, be permitted to participate in any senior graduation ceremonies.
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, told the outlets. “As North Texas’ largest social justice organization, NGAN has worked tirelessly with the Anthony family’s legal team to achieve this equitable and student-centered resolution. “This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of effective advocacy.”
Alexander also told the Dallas Morning News that Anthony’s graduation announcement came after the organization, Anthony’s legal team, and the school district reached a “agreement” regarding the 18-year-old’s education.
A FISD spokesperson declined to comment to the Dallas Morning News and CBS News Texas, citing privacy laws. The district did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, May 24.
Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, has since spoken out about the decision to grant Anthony his degree. According to the Daily Mail, Jeff has filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to contest the decision.
The father also told CBS News Texas that he went to the FISD administration building to speak with Superintendent Mike Waldrip about allowing Anthony to graduate, but was denied entry without an appointment.
“I have been stonewalled. Jeff told the outlet, “Sad, you know, I understand the protocol.” “They said I have to make an appointment, which I did.”
The first-degree murder case against Anthony, which stems from an April 2 incident in which he stabbed Austin during a dispute over seating at a track and field meet between their high schools, has quickly turned political.
KERA previously reported that a group called Protect White Americans protested Austin’s death, calling it an act of racial violence; Austin’s father, Jeff, later spoke out against the protesters.
“You’re trying to create more race divide rather than bridging the gap,” he told the organization over the phone during a rally at David Kuykendall Stadium, where the stabbing happened.
Later in April, tensions rose when Jeff was asked to leave the Dallas venue where Anthony’s parents were speaking publicly for the first time.
At the press conference, Alexander criticized Jeff for attending the event, calling it “a disrespect to the dignity of his son.”
Alexander continued: “He knew it was inappropriate to be near the family, but he did it. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Waldrip has previously attempted to dispel “misinformation” surrounding the case. In a previous email to Centennial High School staff, students, and families two weeks ago, he dispelled social media rumors that Anthony would walk at graduation.
“I’d like to be clear. “No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to attend the graduation ceremony,” Waldrip wrote, according to CBS News Texas.
Authorities allege that on April 2, Anthony, then 17, stabbed Austin, 17, at a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. According to police, Anthony stabbed Austin after removing a knife from his backpack. Anthony’s attorney told local media that his client claims he acted in self-defense.
“I understand that my client claimed it was self-defense. I don’t see any reason to doubt that, but I need to gather facts, speak with people, and figure out what’s going on before making any statements about what I believe happened,” Deric Walpole told NBC 5 DFW on April 4. “I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
According to an affidavit, Anthony told an officer, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
“He placed his hands on me. “I told him not to,” Anthony told police, according to the affidavit, also asking “if what happened could be considered self-defense.”
According to the affidavit, Austin asked Anthony to move from under a tent set up for his high school track team, which triggered the dispute.
“Touch me and see what happens,” Anthony allegedly instructed Austin.
According to an eyewitness, Austin then touched Anthony, who responded by telling him to punch him and see what happens.
According to the affidavit, when Austin attempted to physically move Anthony, the now-18-year-old pulled a knife and stabbed him.
Anthony was charged with first-degree murder and released after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000, according to FOX 4.