Katy ISD Considers Discipline Policy Amid Self-Defense Debate

Katy ISD Considers Discipline Policy Amid Self-Defense Debate

By | April 16, 2025

An unprovoked attack by a student captured on video has sparked a growing debate over how Katy Independent School District handles student altercations and defines the limits of self-defense—prompting the school board to launch a review of its disciplinary policy.

A video filmed by a student at Taylor High School appears to show a male student assaulting a female student without provocation—hitting her, knocking her to the ground, and holding her down. The altercation lasted only 61 seconds. During that time, a teacher can be seen leaving the classroom and later returning, but without appearing to make any effort to stop the male student.

In response, the district placed both students under disciplinary action, suspending the female student for three days for disorderly conduct.

When the video was first released, the district issued a statement saying, “We remind the community that the video lacks full context and encourage respect for the privacy of all involved to ensure everyone’s safety.” The statement also noted, “The district is committed to transparency while respecting student privacy under federal law. We are aware of a video showing an altercation at Taylor High School. Law enforcement and the campus have taken appropriate action.”

At a board meeting Monday night, parents again raised concerns about district policy regarding disciplinary action for students involved in altercations.

Sherry Ashorn, Director of Student Affairs for Katy ISD, explained that current policy requires the district to punish any student involved in a physical altercation, regardless of which student is the aggressor. Ashorn also pointed out that, under the current wording, students do not have an inherent right to self-defense unless the victim can verifiably prove there was absolutely no way to escape.

Referring to the policy, Ashorn said, “If you are confronted [by] another student, you should avoid striking back. It does state that regardless if you start to fight, both students can be disciplined accordingly.”

Several board members spoke out about the incident and the district’s response.

Trustee Amy Thieme asked, “Has there been an evolution that I’m just not aware of, or has it always been that self-defense is not a justification? Where it’s used as an excuse, rightfully or wrongfully? I’m just curious as [to] how new this is.”

Ashorn responded by explaining that the policy isn’t new but has long included this language.

The female student’s father, Danny Gianfrancesco, raised three main concerns.

First, he said the district refused to provide him with copies of the police report regarding the assault. He also claimed that the assistant principal was unwilling to even view the video when Gianfrancesco presented it.

Then he quoted the policy, saying, “The [Discipline Management Policy] states that if a student is physically confronted by another student, the individual should avoid striking back and find an adult or administrator who can handle the situation.”

He then asked, “How can anyone feel safe at a school where a clear case of assault takes place?”

Board President Victor Perez, who earlier this month promised in a Facebook post to investigate the incident and provide solutions, said, “I’m just looking at the policy right now, and I think part of the exercise here, besides informational, is also for the board to think about, if there’s any tweaking or adjusting that we need to make to the policy going forward.”

He also called on the district to compile a report of assault cases, highlighting any that could be interpreted as self-defense, in order to better determine whether the policy needs to be revised.

Michael Wilson is a 5th generation Texan, born and raised just outside of Houston, Texas. He is a devout Christian as well as a husband and father of 2 beautiful children. He fights for Houston daily as a radio host on Patriot Talk 920 AM. @sirmichaelwill