An Appomattox mother says she's just trying to get justice for her son.
Roaxanne Haskins says her son was assaulted on a school bus, and she's releasing a video that she hopes will strengthen her argument.
The video was taken on an Appomattox County school bus back in May of 2011. It's been shown publicly in court, but Haskins wanted it to be seen by a wider audience. She played it for a small audience Friday afternoon at the Carver Price Cultural Center in Appomattox.
The video was obtained by Haskins through the Appomattox County Commonwealth's Attorney, using a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. It shows Haskins' 10-year-old son being verbally and physically attacked by two older boys.
The video was originally part of two criminal cases that have already been resolved. The older boys were convicted of assault and battery. The bus driver was charged with felony child neglect, but a jury later found her not guilty.
Garnell Stamps with the National Action Network says he wanted the video to be shown outside of court, so that school leaders in Appomattox would be forced to issue a public response.
Haskins wants an apology from the school board, and school superintendent Dorinda Grasty. Stamps is calling for Grasty's resignation.
"If she can not react to the black community, and the pleas of parents who care about their children, then we don't need that kind of superintendent," Stamps said.
Stamps said he has contacted the Reverend Al Sharpton and asked him to get involved in the case.
Haskins has filed a $31-million dollar civil suit against Appomattox County, the school board, and several employees over the bus incident.
Steve Edwards, Director of Business and Operations for Appomattox County Public Schools, said the school system "has no countenance on the showing of the video" and offered no further comment.
