Caddo DA Accuses Shreveport High School of Playing Politics
Some serious charges have been levied against one Shreveport school by the Caddo District Attorney. But officials with the Caddo School system say this has been a misunderstanding.
D.A. James Stewart has a presentation he does to show at-risk teens the dangers and the consequences of turning to a life of violence. It's called the "Power of Choice." Stewart says teenagers told him about a rise in gang activity at a local school. He says the gang recruiting efforts were being posted on social media and even sent to teens cell phones.
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D.A. Stewart Has a Program Targeting At-Risk Teens
The D.A. says "one location of growing gang activity I was surprised to find was at a local high school I will not publicly name but that is not normally known for problems of gangs and violence. I was asked by a black student organization at that school to present my “Power of Choice” presentation to the troubled teens at this high school."
But Stewart says a week before his scheduled speech on November 20, he was informed by a student leader that he was advised by a member of the school’s administration that “it’s an election year so he can’t come.”
As you might recall, the tragic shooting on the Clyde Fant Parkway happened on November 19 involving students from 2 local schools. 2 people were killed including an Uber Driver and another was wounded.
One teen was arrested at Captain Shreve High School. Two others have since been arrested.
KEEL News reached out to the Caddo Superintendent to find out why the DA's visit was cancelled.
Here Is the Response from Caddo Schools
What occurred was a simple and unfortunate miscommunication. Captain Shreve High School already had a planned program scheduled, and a speaker had been arranged by the school for that event. School administration was not aware that a student leader had separately reached out to anyone else to speak. Because a speaker was already scheduled as part of the program, the school moved forward with the individual who had been officially placed on the agenda.
Caddo school leaders say "the principal has shared that the District Attorney is welcome at Captain Shreve at any time, and the school maintains a positive relationship with him. The administration is grateful for his service and appreciates the work he does for our community."