The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has issued a statement as controversy over Superintendent Simone Griffin’s confrontation with a high school student continues.

Video of the incident has been obtained by ABC 57, showing Griffin in a school hallway in a seeming shouting match with the student, who can’t be seen. Griffin steps into the hallway, drops some papers to the floor and engages in an exchange with the student.

The video appears to partially match what was reported by retired state police trooper and current school security officer Maurice Burton at this week’s board meeting. Burton said a student became aggressive with Griffin in the cafeteria and that Griffin backed out into a hallway and took a defensive posture.

The board in its statement on Thursday said it’s aware of the video and understands the concern it has caused. The statement goes on to say the board “has been informed from the beginning, and the situation has been handled internally.” It concludes by saying the board believes in transparency, but also must respect the privacy of students and staff.

The full statement is below:

“The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is aware of the video circulating from Benton Harbor High School. We understand the concern it has caused. The Board has been informed from the beginning, and the situation has been handled internally.

While we believe in transparency, we also have a responsibility to respect the privacy of our students and staff. For that reason, we do not discuss personnel or student matters publicly.

Thank you for your patience. Please know that we remain committed to the safety, dignity, and success of every student and staff member in Benton Harbor.

Respectfully,

Trenton Bowens

Vice President, Board of Education

Benton Harbor Area Schools”