Fights break out at Denby High School in Detroit

DETROIT – Cellphone video shows a brutal brawl inside Denby High School on Detroit's east side.

Chaos outside the classroom created an out-of-control situation.

Denby is run by the state of Michigan's Education Achievement Authority (EAA). Officials with the EAA told Local 4 the fights happened Tuesday morning between periods one and two. A student captured the multiple fights with his cellphone camera, then posted the video on Facebook.

It appears the fights involved all female students. A security guard appears overwhelmed and unable to stop the violence.

Denby High School Principal Tanisha Manningham released the following statement about the incident:

"Yesterday's situation occurred after a dispute between two female students got out of hand. It was not gang related, and classes resumed shortly after it was broken up. Nonetheless, I will not tolerate any acts of violence in our place of learning. I've instructed my staff to do a thorough examination of the conditions that led to this incident and report back to me on any measures we need to take to prevent a repeat in the future.

At Denby, we are working to ensure that all students receive a great education and tonight was a reflection of that, as parents and teachers came together for a pre-scheduled curriculum night. The subject of the fight did not come up at this evening's gathering. Today was a peaceful day at Denby, with no incidents of violence."

An employee called an "interventionist" jumped in to try to bring calm to the chaotic situation.

Outside Denby, there were rumors Wednesday that another fight would be taking place. Detroit police and Detroit Public Schools security were poised outside the high school. The EAA said calm was restored on Tuesday and there have been no incidents since.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.