Video circulating online of Penn Hills student with cerebral palsy being kicked in chest at school

PENN HILLS, Pa. — A Penn Hills student and his mother are speaking out after they say video of him being kicked to the ground in a hallway at school was posted on social media and now circulating online.

“I cried when I saw that because it’s like ‘wow.’ How can kids be that cruel?” Margaret Wooding, the mother of Isaiah Wooding, said.

Isaiah Wooding, 16, suffers from cerebral palsy and said some students tend to pick on him. Video posted on social media Friday showed the most recent act of bullying. A student was ready and recording Friday morning, waiting, as Isaiah Wooding turned a corner in the hallway of Penn Hills High School and captured another student kicking him in the chest.

“I got kicked in the chest. I fell backwards and hit my head,” Isaiah Wooding said. “I was kind of hurt, embarrassed.”

His mother said she’s angry about the whole incident. She said Isaiah Wooding suffers from seizures, and she’s grateful the kick to his chest didn’t trigger a medical emergency.

“It’s not just one person, it affects everybody, and people should know that. People should have consideration and thoughtfulness of how hurtful things are,” Isaiah Wooding said.

His mother said she sees the situation as a teachable moment for everyone.

“Speak up, you don’t have to fit in and be like everybody else. If something wrong is going on, everyone is responsible,” Margaret Wooding said.

The Penn Hills School District released on Saturday the following statement:

"The Penn Hills School District is deeply concerned and saddened by what is being displayed via social media and at least one local news channel. The PHHS administration began an immediate investigation when concerns were first reported yesterday. Their investigation continues, and anyone having played a role will be dealt with accordingly, including referrals to local law enforcement. Assuming the video clips are authentic and have not been altered, our full staff and Board are absolutely disgusted and embarrassed by the lack of compassion displayed by students closest to the incident and those who created further upset by recording and posting those terrible images online. That is NOT the Penn Hills Way, and we know the overwhelming majority of our students are embarrassed and disgusted as well!"

According to Pennsylvania’s most recent Safe Schools Report, between two and four yearly incidents have been reported at the Penn Hills High School over the past three academic years.

To view the full report on any school in the state, CLICK HERE.

Cox Media Group