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Students At Mastery Charter Upset By Classmates' Act Of Violence

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The students caught on video attacking a man at Fourth and Walnut represent the exception and not the rule, according to students and staff at their school.

The eighth and ninth graders from the Mastery Charter School's Lenfest campus are seen on surveillance video punching a man for no apparent reason as he walked near 4th and Walnut.  The school prides itself on its strict discipline code, and sophomore Jazmine Smith is offended by the action of her classmates.

"We have to get our reputation back.  It's no longer up to the teachers.  It's our job.  We got ourselves into this.  We have to get ourselves out."

Students are planning peace marches, and they plan to make amends to local residents and businesses.  In addition to criminal proceedings stemming from the July 29th attack, Mastery CEO Scott Gordon says the six students involved face expulsion hearings.

Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio 1060

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