Suspensions reversed for some CBA students involved in Harlem S - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Suspensions reversed for some CBA students involved in Harlem Shake video

Posted: Updated:
By Carolyn Roy - bio | email
Some students in this English class that performed the Harlem Shake won't be suspended after all, because CBA Superintendent Ken Kruithof says there was a teacher present. Some students in this English class that performed the Harlem Shake won't be suspended after all, because CBA Superintendent Ken Kruithof says there was a teacher present.
Students in this Harlem Shake video that appears to include members of the Calvary Baptist Academy baseball team remain suspended. Students in this Harlem Shake video that appears to include members of the Calvary Baptist Academy baseball team remain suspended.
SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -

Calvary Baptist Academy Superintendent Ken Kruithof confirms that some students who were originally supposed to be suspended for today and tomorrow for their participation in 3 Harlem Shake videos posted to YouTube have not been suspended after all.

Kruithof says this is because one of the videos was taken in a classroom with a teacher present, which amounts to the school's sanctioning of the activity.

The two other videos were shot on campus without teachers or staff present. One appears to show members of the CBA baseball team in front of the school's dugout on the field dancing wildly. Several of them are stripped down to varying degrees or wearing costumes, and making suggestive gestures. In another, several male students in uniform perform the dance in a school bathroom.

Kruithof was unable to confirm exactly how many students are not suspended after all, but he did clarify that some of the students involved in the English classroom video were also involved some of the other videos and were therefore still suspended.

Principal Kevin Guerrero confirmed Wednesday that about 40 students had been suspended, citing the school's policy on electronic communication devices/websites. That policy states that student profiles on any online social network or any personal network, even on their computer at home, will be open to administrative review if anything on the "space" is derogatory toward Calvary Baptist Academy, CBA staff, students or any other person(s) connected with CBA. If language on that site is deemed inappropriate for a CBA student, and threatening, profane, or any other comments deemed as bullying, then the administration reserves the right to question the language used by that student and take appropriate action."

Both Kruithof and Guerrero declined to comment on whether any teachers or staff face any disciplinary action, saying they cannot comment on personnel matters.

The Harlem Shake is an Internet meme that recently went viral on YouTube. The videos last 31 seconds and feature an excerpt from the song, "Harlem Shake" by electronic musician Baauer. Usually, the video begins with one person (often in a helmet or mask) dancing to the song alone for 15 seconds, surrounded by several others who appear unaware of the dancing individual. After the bass drops, the video cuts to the entire crowd dancing, often stripped down or decked out with crazy costumes or odd props.

Guerrero says the school is not opposed to the Harlem Shake itself, but administrators felt like the students' lack of clothing and gyrations were inappropriate.

Copyright 2013 KSLA. All rights reserved.