South Philadelphia principal steps down

The principal of a Philadelphia high school that became the subject of a federal civil rights lawsuit has resigned.

The principal of a Philadelphia high school that became the subject of a federal civil rights lawsuit has resigned.

South Philadelphia High School has been in the spotlight since December, when about two dozen Asian students at the school were attacked by their African-American peers.

South Philadelphia high school principal LaGreta Brown’s resignation is effective immediately. Discovery of her out-of-date education credentials hastened her exit. Brown had allowed her state principal’s certificate to lapse.

Asian-American leaders had criticized Brown’s response to the violence, which they say was racially motivated.

“She had significant disregard for the violence at the school,” says Helen Gym, of Asian American’s United. “At points even pitting communities against one another and it served to exacerbate existing racial tensions.”

The violence touched off an eight-day boycott by students protesting the lack of safety at the school.

A spokesperson for the school district says Brown resigned because of all the controversy surrounding the school.

The district has already chosen a replacement for Brown. Springfield Township high school principal Otis Hackney will start in September. An assistant to Brown will serve as interim principal.