School clamps down in aftermath of fight

Leilehua High School will remain under its highest state of alert until Friday after a fight involving a dozen students last week led to rumors that students might bring weapons to campus.

Thursday's incident began at the school's cafeteria during lunch when there was an argument between a boy, a girl and her brother, said Principal Aloha Coleman.

"It started as a very small incident," she said. "But because the cafeteria is crowded and we have teenagers, they all want to see what is going on. And then there is some pushing, at which time kids who get pushed turn around and say, 'Why are you pushing me for?' so then it escalates."

The Wahiawa school disciplined 12 students, Coleman said, without elaborating on whether they were suspended.

Police were brought to the 1,900-student campus on Friday and Monday because of rumors -- apparently spread through messages posted on the social-networking Web site MySpace.com -- suggesting students would bring weapons to school on Friday, Coleman said.

She said many students stayed home Friday, but they have been gradually returning to school.

Coleman dismissed rumors that racial tensions or gang rivalries led to the disturbance.

"School resumed yesterday, business as usual. We had about 80 percent of the kids here," she said. "I think there are still some parents who may be hesitant. Campus today is back to normal."

The school should stay under a high alert until Friday as a precaution, she said. The status requires gates to remain locked and the parking lot to be constantly monitored.