Proviso District 209 Issues Statement on May 31 Fights

Proviso Township High School District 209 officials Friday issued a statement regarding the May 31 fight that reportedly involved more than 300 Proviso East High School students.

Three students were hospitalized for injuries and at least 10 students were arrested following a fight that involved more than 300 Proviso East High School students on the last day of school in a park across the street from the school, the Forest Park Review reported.

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According to the D209 statement, the "disturbance" took place almost a mile from the school and not on school grounds, contrary to media reports. ABC Chicago reported the fights started in the school's parking lot. 

The Review reported the fight started after the school day ended around 9:30 a.m.

"District officials were not made aware of the fighting that occurred until later in the day, since it occurred off campus and falls outside of the district’s jurisdiction," the statement reads. 

"We take safety and security of our students, staff, and school environment very seriously. That is the reason that extra procedures were put into place to ensure a smooth end of school year at Proviso East. Our school year ended without any incident, and we are very pleased to report that."

D209 also said witnesses have said adults and former students joined the students who may have been involved in the fight. 

Maywood Police Chief Tim Curry told the Review the fight is still under investigation and that he doesn't think it was gang-related.
READ: Fight on Last Day of School Involved 300 Proviso East Students: Report