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An employee at an after-school program in New York City has been fired for failing to break up a fight between two young boys, The New York Daily News reports.

The incident between 12-year-old Keshon Jones and a 13-year-old student occurred Jan. 14 at Middle School 53 in Queens. During the brawl, school worker and basketball coach Marcus Cruz can be heard saying, “let them fight.”

Keshon’s father Kevin Jones said he only discovered that his son was slammed to the ground on school property while monitoring his Facebook page. He took Keshon to the hospital because his neck and back were hurting and then transferred him to another school for his safety. Jones said he was never contacted by school officials about the fight and has hired a lawyer, according to the report.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said Cruz was terminated after the video was brought to their attention.

The New York Daily News reports:

“There is zero tolerance for employees, vendors, or volunteers who do not prioritize the safety of our students,” said Department of Education spokeswoman Devora Kaye.

She said Cruz was “swiftly removed from his position” at the after-school program run by a community-based organization.

[…]

“I was so furious,” said Kevin Jones, 44. “It’s really wrong. The coach should have stepped in like a responsible adult.”

Special Commissioner of Investigation Richard Condon is currently on the case. Parents of other children at the school have expressed concerns about the community-based program due to a reported lack of organization and authority.

SOURCE: New York Daily News | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

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New York Basketball Coach Fired For Inciting “Fight Club” At After School Program  was originally published on newsone.com