Miss Brooks possessed specialized combat training that fundamentally altered her obligations during the confrontation. Dean Morrison frowned. What exactly are you suggesting? The law is clear, Patterson continued, adjusting his glasses. When someone holds advanced martial arts certification, their hands and feet are legally classified as weapons.
Miss Brooks had a duty to retreat or absorb the attack rather than engage physically. Marcus shot to his feet. That's ridiculous. Four people surrounded her. They blocked every possible exit.
The legal standard doesn't account for circumstances, Patterson replied coldly. It accounts for capability. Miss Brooks had the training to neutralize the threat without causing injury. Instead, she chose to fight back aggressively. She defended herself, Nia protested from the gallery.
They grabbed her first. Miss Coleman, please remain quiet. Director Walsh warned. Patterson opened another document. According to these competition records, Miss Brooks has won multiple tournaments through defensive techniques.
She clearly possessed the skill to control the situation without violence. Aaliyah remained silent, but her hands clenched into fists under the table. The room felt like it was spinning around her. Doctor Rodriguez looked uncomfortable. "Are you suggesting that trained martial artists should allow themselves to be attacked?" "I'm suggesting they follow the law," Patterson said firmly.
Miss Brooks's black belt certification comes with legal responsibilities. She violated those responsibilities the moment she chose violence over restraint. Victor Vale nodded approvingly. My son and his friends made poor choices, but they were teenagers acting impulsively. Miss Brooks is a trained fighter who escalated a verbal disagreement into physical assault.
They surrounded her, Marcus repeated, his voice rising. She couldn't retreat because they wouldn't let her. The video evidence suggests otherwise, Patterson said smoothly. Miss Brooks could have called for help. She could have submitted to avoid conflict.
Instead, she chose to demonstrate her fighting skills on untrained students. The panel members exchanged troubled glances. The legal argument was clearly affecting their judgment. Based on these new considerations, Patterson continued, I recommend immediate suspension pending a full investigation. Miss Brooks's access to classes and scholarship funding should be frozen until we can determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.
Criminal charges? Aaliyah finally spoke, her voice barely controlled. Assault with a deadly weapon, Patterson replied without emotion. Your training makes this a felony case. The room erupted in angry whispers from students packed in the gallery.
Several people shouted protests before security restored order. Director Walsh called for a brief recess. The panel huddled together, reviewing Victor's documents and Patterson's recommendations. When they returned, Dean Morrison delivered the verdict with obvious reluctance. Given the serious legal questions raised, this panel accepts Administrator Patterson's recommendation for temporary suspension.