Former Student Says Attack on Douglass Principal Likely Motivated by Race

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Police are still searching for a man who attacked the principal of Frederick Douglas High School, but some say the attack was a result of building racial tensions.

Oklahoma City School Superintendent Karl Springer said a man in his mid 20s was hiding near Principal Brian Staples' car in the front parking lot on the school's campus. The suspect approached Staples as he was getting into his car and began talking with Staples. The suspect then began hitting Staples with a billy club.

Staples was thought to have a broken leg, but does not. He is doing well and is already back working at the school.  

School officials said they do not believe the suspect was a student at the school.

"The Oklahoma City School District is not going to tolerate this kind of behavior," Springer said.

The suspect was last seen running westbound away from the scene wearing a dark blue hoodie and dark jeans.

Shortly after the attack, several people showed up at the school to say the suspect's rage is likely the result of racial tensions between the principal and the school's staff and students.

"Everybody is complaining about it. So, when they're saying, when someone is so fed up they boldly attack someone in broad daylight. Yes, that's serious," said Elijah Muhammad, Douglass High School Alumnus.

Muhammad said he has family members who attend and work at Douglass High. His mother is the vice principal. He said he was there when a group of students and teachers gathered at a church this weekend to address concerns of how Staples treats black students and staff members.

"Some of the terminology that was used is that a white man is coming into our community, treating us like we're back in the '60s," Muhammad said.

Muhammad said what fueled the tensions is Staples' refusal last week to allow students to attend a black history program. He said he and others talked to the Superintendent on Monday about their concerns, a day before Staples was attacked.

Oklahoma City School Spokesperson Tierney Cook said that was the first she had heard of racial tension concerns.

Superintendent Springer also released the following statement Wednesday regarding the incident:

"The Oklahoma City Police Department and Oklahoma City Public Schools are working together to fully investigate the events of March 2, 2010. It is our belief that any public comment made about the incident could jeopardize the investigation. We ask for your cooperation and understanding as we delve further into this sensitive and important issue," said Superintendent Springer in a statement Wednesday.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.