Dashawn Walker, a 17-year-old high school student from Philadelphia, was on his way home from school in February when a gunman started fire on him. Walker, who was struck in the legs and chest, had to endure many surgeries and learn how to walk again after being in a coma for two days and admitted to the intensive care unit for three days, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
During his rehabilitation, the kid was able to complete his final year at The Mathematics, Civics, and Sciences Charter School in Philadelphia. Despite the fact that he graduated in May, the school’s founder and her board of directors prevented him from attending the prom and graduation ceremonies after learning that the shooter had targeted Walker.
The board members and founder, Veronica Joyner, claimed that they chose to prohibit Walker from attending in-person schooling or events because they were concerned that the suspects would come after him again and that he represented a threat.
“If you’re a target, do I bring that target around other people and get them caught up in a shooting?” Joyner questioned. “We would be placing others at risk by having him around.”
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Walker stated that although though the alleged gunman, Micah Roane, was from his neighborhood, he never spoke with him and had no idea why the suspect assaulted him.
“Maybe he was looking for someone with the same hoodie as me, or the same backpack as me,” Walker said. “I just know me and this guy never had no conversation, no argument, no bad blood, no fight over no girl, nothing.”
Walker also said the decision by the school officials made him feel like he was to blame for the shooting. “I was the victim, and I felt like I was the problem,” he said. “It made me feel like I’m nothing, like I deserve nothing,” he also added.
A Philly student shot 10 times spent a month in hospital for surgeries and relearning how to walk
Then his high school banned him from prom and graduation after they felt his presence was a danger: “I was the victim, and I felt like I was the problem”https://t.co/3lb561UJIt
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 21, 2023
Capt. James Kearney, the head of the Police Department’s nonfatal shooting squad, stated that while the shooting was targeted, the cause for the attack could not be determined. Walker, according to Kearney, had not been into any kind of difficulty. “He seemed like a good kid,” said the Captain.
Jane Roh, spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office, also said there “is no information that indicates the victim is involved in any criminal activity.” “Regardless, there’s no reason we could justify what happened to him,” Roh added.
“It’s an unacceptable, outrageous act of violence, and it’s a tragedy. And there’s no reason any institution should be treating him like he is also a defendant.”
Despite the aforementioned statements, Joyner was still adamant she made the right decision. “I’m looking at the violence in this city and making a decision not to place everyone at risk,” she said. “It’s a safety issue. The only thing I could do was protect everyone else.”
She also said the teen should be thankful he eventually graduated. “We didn’t let him drop out. He received a computer and the teachers were instructed to work with him through the hospitalization,” she said. “I’m handing him a diploma, a lifeline, and that’s where the focus should be. … I have put him on the side to go to college, get a good job. He now has a ticket.” “It’s not a requirement that I provide him with a graduation or prom. It’s a privilege.”
Following the incident, Walker’s pals allegedly informed him that Joyner had questioned how the boy could afford a fashionable backpack and shoes, as well as an expensive prom suit. He told The Philadelphia Inquirer that he believes Joyner implied he was either involved in the drug trade or a criminal. His mother also stated that this was not the case.
Though Joyner denied the allegation, she raised eyebrows about the costly suit. “Where does it come from? You live in North Philadelphia,” she said.