Alright everyone, what’s going on?
Here’s a frustrating update coming out of the Karmelo Anthony case. There’s been a pretty outrageous development regarding his high school graduation.
Karmelo Anthony will be allowed to graduate from Centennial High School despite being charged with taking another student’s life. This decision, allowing the embattled teen and former football track star to graduate, was confirmed by his adviser and spokesman.
This comes after Frisco Independent School District initially expelled Anthony following outrage over the incident. An expulsion would have typically meant he couldn’t graduate. However, after pressure from activists, including planned protests and letter-writing campaigns, the district had an about-face.
The teen is accused, well, frankly, we know what happened, related to the passing of Austin Metcaf. Austin Metcaf passed away in his twin brother’s arms. Anthony initially fled the scene but later told arresting officers that he did do it. He’s now claiming self-defense.
Optically, this decision feels incredibly dumb and wildly disrespectful to the Metcaf family, including Austin’s surviving brother. We think to allow someone charged in this manner to graduate alongside other students, especially when Austin won’t ever get that chance, is maddening. While he’s on bail and hasn’t been found guilty yet, as is true in America, the optics are terrible.
There’s a minor concession made: he reportedly cannot participate in the graduation ceremony or walk on the stage. His family’s spokesman mentioned they weren’t asking for accommodations or participation in activities. They also highlighted that Anthony had a 3.7 GPA at the time of the incident. It’s questionable how someone finishes school or graduates without completing classes after such an event, though seemingly high school grades alone could be enough.
This move is likely to anger many in the community. Initial outrage also spread when Anthony’s bond was lowered from $1 million to $250,000, securing his release. During the bond hearing, Anthony’s father testified about financial hardship. However, reports indicate the family was renting a $900,000 home in a gated community while claiming to be poor. Considering the potential rent and a significant amount raised through GoFundMe (over $500,000), we don’t really see that as financial hardship.
Neighbors have expressed that they don’t want Anthony living in their exclusive area, with one suggesting the best thing the family could do is move.
Meanwhile, over $528,000 has been donated in cash to the Metcaf family. Memorial High School, where Austin would have graduated, is scheduled to have its ceremony soon.
This case, among others, highlights what many are feeling as a widespread fatigue. Some commentary surrounding events like this speaks to a feeling of being tired of certain behaviors and values that are seen as incompatible. There’s a sense of people, across different races, wanting to distance themselves from disruptive or problematic behaviors. This fatigue is real, and people are tired of dealing with it daily. When people who could be positive influences leave communities because of these issues, those communities can struggle even more.
It’s a frustrating situation all around, and something has to give, or more people will just decide they want out of certain communities.
