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Many want answers after bullying allegation: 'They need to tell us what’s going on and how they will not have this happen again'

The Fairfax County community reacts to allegations that Immanuel Christian schoolboys bullied a sixth-grade girl and cut off her locks.
Credit: Cynthia Allen
Amari Allen's hair cut unevenly.

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — A community is outraged after a 12-year-old girl was pinned down on a playground by three sixth-graders who cut her hair in Fairfax County. 

Springfield resident Emily Wright said she was sickened to hear about the alleged bullying incident that occurred at Immanuel Christian School on Monday.

Her reaction stemmed from knowing that the Immanuel Christian School and the Immanuel Bible Church are known in the community for their good works. Wright said the church’s Hope Ministry gave her support when she was vulnerable after having her first child.

"They help you, they give you clothes, they donate clothes, basically help you get on your fee with your child," Wright said. "So that’s why I can’t believe this happened here."

Twelve-year-old Amari Allan, a sixth-grader at Immanuel Christian School, said she was cornered by a group of schoolmates on Monday. Allan said she was pinned down her mouth was covered by the boys. Then one of them cut her dreadlocks after calling them "ugly" and "nappy."

RELATED: Sixth-grade boys pin down classmate, cut her locks calling them 'ugly' and 'nappy' at Virginia private school

Credit: WUSA9

Wright said the incident is every parent’s worst nightmare, and it makes her concerned for the safety of her three-year-old son who also attends the church.

"I’m kind of nervous that something can happen to my child as well, and I don’t want this to continue on," Wright said. "They need to tell us what’s going on and how they will not have this happen again."

Neighbors who live near the school and church echoed Wright’s concerns. Mary William Shobeiri worked with the church helping the disabled. She said the bullying needs to be addressed.

"I am horrified actually because it’s such a great environment normally," Shobeiri said.

Allan said the bullying had been going on for weeks leading up to Monday’s attack.  

Sean Perryman, president of the Fairfax County NAACP, said the incident should be a wake-up call for area schools.

"I think this is a larger lesson not only for private schools, but for public schools that incidents of racial bullying should be taken seriously before they lead to physical violence," Perryman said.

RELATED: Wise: They pinned her down, called her hair 'nappy' and cut her dreadlocks. They were sixth graders

The school outlines a strict no-bullying policy in their parent-student handbook that states: 

"ICS holds to four fundamental guidelines for social interaction among students. All ICS students are encouraged and expected to:

  1. Never leave anyone out by deliberately excluding them from the group.
  2. Never harm others intentionally with words or actions.
  3. Never tolerate bullying by ignoring it or allowing it to continue.
  4. Always report bullying to the classroom teacher. "

The Immanuel Christian School declined to comment Friday. Fairfax County Police said it's actively investigating the incident.

Allan’s family said they expect to hear more from the school on Monday after the police investigation is complete.

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