Facts During a math class, the student was using her cellphone and refused to stop or leave when asked by her teacher and a vice principal. Deputy Ben Fields, a school resource officer with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, was called to intervene. Video evidence shows Fields ordering the student to leave, then placing his arm around her neck, flipping her backward with her desk, dragging her across the floor, and handcuffing her. Niya Kenny, another student, was arrested for protesting and recording the incident. The student was charged under South Carolina’s “disturbing schools” law, a misdemeanor; Kenny faced similar charges. The student’s lawyer reported a cast on her arm, neck and back injuries, and a forehead rug burn; Sheriff Lott claimed no serious injuries occurred. Fields was suspended without pay and fired on October 28, 2015, after an internal review found his force violated policy. On September 2, 2016, Solicitor Dan Johnson declined to press criminal charges against Fields, citing insufficient evidence of intent. The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice investigated for possible civil rights violations, but no federal charges were filed. The school, in Richland School District Two (59% Black students), had a history of high discipline rates for Black students. The incident, hashtagged #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh, drew national criticism, with calls for accountability from civil rights groups and public figures. It highlighted the “school-to-prison pipeline” and the role of over 31,000 school resource officers in U.S. schools, prompting policy debates.

Here are The Facts of this case: Follow for more! Tag when needed. "South Carolina Deputy Fired After Violent Arrest of Black Student at Spring Valley High School" Deputy Ben Fields (officer), student unnamed (16-year-old Black female) October 26, 2015 Spring Valley High School, Columbia, South Carolina Facts During a math class, the student was using her cellphone and refused to stop or leave when asked by her teacher and a vice principal. Deputy Ben Fields, a school resource officer with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, was called to intervene. Video evidence shows Fields ordering the student to leave, then placing his arm around her neck, flipping her backward with her desk, dragging her across the floor, and handcuffing her. Niya Kenny, another student, was arrested for protesting and recording the incident. The student was charged under South Carolina’s “disturbing schools” law, a misdemeanor; Kenny faced similar charges. The student’s lawyer reported a cast on her arm, neck and back injuries, and a forehead rug burn; Sheriff Lott claimed no serious injuries occurred. Fields was suspended without pay and fired on October 28, 2015, after an internal review found his force violated policy. On September 2, 2016, Solicitor Dan Johnson declined to press criminal charges against Fields, citing insufficient evidence of intent. The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice investigated for possible civil rights violations, but no federal charges were filed. The school, in Richland School District Two (59% Black students), had a history of high discipline rates for Black students. The incident, hashtagged #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh, drew national criticism, with calls for accountability from civil rights groups and public figures. It highlighted the “school-to-prison pipeline” and the role of over 31,000 school resource officers in U.S. schools, prompting policy debates.

I’m sure a lot of research papers with 302 citations have a hashtag on the first paragraph: The #AssaultatSpringValleyHigh highlights how schools can be sites of racialized and gendered terror for Black girls.

Through a @repairtheworld text study, I just learned about #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh. I recommend reading it if it is new to you, or even to remember if you knew. Black Lives Matter. Thank you to the teachers and administrators who really see and care about students.

Check, #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh Just general knowledge for u. Respect

It’s been over 4 years since this happened. Tomorrow, myself and 4 others present Shakara & Niya’s story in theatre as part of our Drama degree. We WILL remember this incident. #BlackLivesMatter #assaultatspringvalleyhigh

People want to protest because a teacher was arrested at a school board meeting but when the little Black girl was shocked, slammed and dragged by the school police officer the national women’s rights organizations stayed silent, as usual. #AssaultatSpringValleyHigh

Niya Kenny sharing the impact of standing up to police violence. #AssaultatSpringValleyHigh #CounselorsNotCops #DSCWOA2017

The South Carolina student from the #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh is suing the school, sheriff's department bit.ly/2irbrmQ

Officer involved in #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh won't face federal charges huff.to/2jgUDxy

Officer involved in #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh won't face federal charges | by @juliacraven huff.to/2jstHbX

Oh Yaassss✊🏾✊🏾👑 #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh Bogus charges Dropped!

#NiyaKenny, who was unlawfully arrested for filming #BenFields' bodyslam, speaks w/ ACLU. #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/s…

We join with @215studentunion for an overhaul of trng & reduction of police in schools! #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh facebook.com/215studentunion…

We join with @215studentunion for an overhaul of trng & reduction of police in schools! #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh

RT : Wow, no words. This is intolerable #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh

Authority Issues #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh (@trackstarz) ow.ly/Yea0X

#DesertVistaHigh vs. #AssaultatSpringValleyHigh a difference as stark as black & white. #EducationMatters

Authority Issues #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh (@tracksta ow.ly/XfJVy

Authority Issues #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh (@trackstarz) ow.ly/WypEs