FRANKLIN, Mass. -- Nine students were expelled from Dean College and a criminal investigation is underway after video of a beating went viral.
On Friday afternoon a student was beaten outside of the admissions building of Dean College, allegedly over a pair of sneakers.
Video of the incident shows that after the victim fell to the ground, a student pulled the sneakers off him, hit the victim and walked away with the sneakers.
The video appeared on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. School officials said there were a total of eight other students that watched the beating -- they allegedly mocked the victim and cheered for the attacker.
“That person just wishes that situation never happened,†said Matthew Jones, who is friends with one of the witnesses.
By Tuesday afternoon, nine students had been expelled from the college.
“We have a zero tolerance policy. We will adhere to it as strongly as possible, now and in the future,†said Gregg Chalk, Dean College spokesman. “Our actions speak very loudly in the fact that the perpetrator was dealt with immediately and he’s been expelled from school.â€
Investigators said the victim was able to prove that the sneakers belonged to him. They said regardless the incident should never have happened.
"I don't think there should have been a fight over that reason. It's kind of a stupid reason," said Athony Bartolomei, a student.
"It's just really shocking, and it's sad too," said Laura Hyne, a student.
Police said the victim has been released from the hospital and is doing well. They also
say it’s only a matter of time until charges are filed.
On Friday afternoon a student was beaten outside of the admissions building of Dean College, allegedly over a pair of sneakers.
Video of the incident shows that after the victim fell to the ground, a student pulled the sneakers off him, hit the victim and walked away with the sneakers.
The video appeared on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. School officials said there were a total of eight other students that watched the beating -- they allegedly mocked the victim and cheered for the attacker.
“That person just wishes that situation never happened,†said Matthew Jones, who is friends with one of the witnesses.
By Tuesday afternoon, nine students had been expelled from the college.
“We have a zero tolerance policy. We will adhere to it as strongly as possible, now and in the future,†said Gregg Chalk, Dean College spokesman. “Our actions speak very loudly in the fact that the perpetrator was dealt with immediately and he’s been expelled from school.â€
Investigators said the victim was able to prove that the sneakers belonged to him. They said regardless the incident should never have happened.
"I don't think there should have been a fight over that reason. It's kind of a stupid reason," said Athony Bartolomei, a student.
"It's just really shocking, and it's sad too," said Laura Hyne, a student.
Police said the victim has been released from the hospital and is doing well. They also
say it’s only a matter of time until charges are filed.
