INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis charter school has suspended five students after learning that a Snapchat sex video was recorded at the school.
School officials say they learned of the video, which depicted two students in a sexual act on school property, Tuesday, according to Director of Social Services at Carpe Diem Bwana Clements.
"Parents of all participating students were called to the school, law enforcement was called as was Department of Child Services," the school said in a letter sent to parents on Tuesday.
"This is what happens when you deal with young people and we're up for the challenge," said Bwana Clements, director of Social Services and Culture.
The students in the video are minors and both students were suspended along with three other students who played a part in sharing the video.
"Through extensive interviewing of students and review of electronic exchanges, school staff was able to quickly ascertain the participants in both the original act, as well as those sharing the video via Snapchat," the school said in their letter to parents. "Those students have all received disciplinary actions from the school and are awaiting any necessary action from law enforcement if a crime was committed."
The school turned the video over to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to determine if any criminal charges will be filed.
"Carpe Diem is extremely proud of the student who took a stand for another student in this situation. This student exemplifies the type of young people who attend our school," the release said.
A mom who makes the 40-minute drive to take her daughter to Carpe Diem said the news was surprising.
"I will consider pulling my child," said Ashlee Stringer. "Her safety is obviously No.1."
Read the full letter to Carpe Diem parents below.
Dear Carpe Diem Parents,
Yesterday, October 10, 2017, through the actions of a brave and caring student, school staff were notified that a video depicting sexual activity of two students was being circulated on the social media platform Snapchat.
Staff immediately followed protocol for handling this type of situation. Parents of all participating students were called to the school, law enforcement was called as was Department of Child Services. A member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department acknowledged the thoroughness and diligence of the staff in handling the situation.
Through extensive interviewing of students and review of electronic exchanges, school staff was able to quickly ascertain the participants in both the original act, as well as those sharing the video via Snapchat. Those students have all received disciplinary actions from the school and are awaiting any necessary action from law enforcement if a crime was committed.
Carpe Diem Innovative School acknowledges the importance of supervision of students during school hours. We are aggressively addressing strategies to ensure that students are supervised at all times in all areas of the building. We will also address social media safety through additional presentations for staff, parents, and students.
Carpe Diem is extremely proud of the student who took a stand for another student in this situation. This student exemplifies the type of young people who attend our school. We are also extremely proud of our staff that sprang into action to protect the students involved and supported their families as they move quickly to address the needs of their children.
