Karmelo Anthony, the Texas student accused of fatally stabbing a fellow peer, has been barred from participating in his graduation ceremony.
Anthony, a senior at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, was arrested last month in the alleged stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. The suspect maintains he acted out of self-defense during the incident. Anthony was released from custody on a $250,000 bond as he awaits trial.
The senior student was able to continue pursuing his high school diploma with the help of the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN). The organization worked with Anthony’s legal team and family to create an at-home academic plan, keeping him on track for graduation despite his impending trial.
The teen maintained a 3.7 GPA and completed his coursework under house arrest, but he won’t be allowed to attend graduation. Frisco Independent School District officials ruled that his criminal charges prohibit him from joining his peers at the ceremony.
“No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony,” Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip wrote in an email to the Centennial High School community. “Additionally, anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement.”
Scrutiny surrounds the school’s move to bar Anthony from his graduation ceremony ahead of his trial. Next Generation Action Network President Dominique Alexander highlighted Anthony’s academic achievement despite the school’s decision.
“NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family’s legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution,” Alexander said. “This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted.”
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