Longtime Duncanville swim coach resigns following student fight involving racial slurs

by Angel Morris of Duncanville TODAY

An on-campus fight caught on video has resulted in the resignation of longtime Duncanville High School swim Coach Frank Gammon.

April 30, cell phone video of two teenagers involved in exchanging racial slurs and fighting was posted on YouTube for worldwide web surfers to view.

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The incident occurred in a break room at the DHS natatorium, where students often congregate to eat after swim practice, according to a source. Parents who were shown the YouTube video immediately wondered where was the adult supervision.

In fact, Gammon was doing double duty at the time, which resulted in the high schoolers being left alone.

“In response to the incident a couple of weeks ago, I made the decision to separate the jobs of natatorium supervisor and head swim coach,” Duncanville School District Athletic Director Kevin Ozee said.

While Gammon was invited to remain head swim coach - as he has been for many of his 31 years with the district - he instead submitted a letter of retirement, according to Ozee.

“Under the realignment of duties, Coach Gammon would remain the DHS head swim coach. Coach Gammon was informed of this decision last week. He has since submitted a letter of retirement Š a decision Coach Gammon personally made,” Ozee said.

Prior to his retirement decision, Gammon received a letter of reprimand for the isolated incident. Students involved in the fight and its videotaping were disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.

“The student discipline violations are Level II infractions and appropriate consequences were given in accordance with district policy,” District Community Relations Director Tammy Kuykendall said.

According to the handbook, students may receive 20-90 days or longer placement at the Summit alternative center; a citation; be required to make restitution or any combination of these.

The district could not specify which consequences these students were given.

And while YouTube video appears to show three students involved in the fight, Kuykendall said, “Only students who violate the code of conduct or other campus rules are disciplined.” The third student may have been trying to break up the fight, according to viewers.

A third student was disciplined, however, but not for the altercation. The student was reprimanded in accordance with the Code of Conduct for use of an electronic device during instructional time - the videoing that resulted in the YouTube footage.

The infraction is considered “improper photography or visual recording,” and can result in the same consequences as fighting.

Kuykendall said the district could not further comment on the incident because student disciplinary information is protected under federal privacy laws.

She did say, however, that the district is aware of the need for conflict resolution skills among its students.

“Duncanville ISD does not tolerate fighting, and takes this type of situation very seriously,” Kuykendall said. “Programs at the high school level such as peer mediation and Freshman Connections are offered to help students develop effective communication skills. Providing a safe learning environment for all students is one of Duncanville ISD's highest priorities.”

Gammon declined to comment on the incident, but Ozee said it should not tarnish the coach's history with the district: “Coach Gammon has served the children of Duncanville ISD very well for many years as Duncanville High School Head Swim coach and we will miss him very much.”