Barnett Family Calls for Community Support for Jaden Barnett

On November 30th, 2023 life drastically changed for 13- year old Jaden Barnett after he was placed in a chokehold by his teacher, Brockton Tatum, at W.R. Coile Middle School. His family is asking for community support to ensure that this teacher is held fully accountable in addition to demanding that school officials improve their communication and provide a stronger academic and emotional support system for students who have been harmed at school, whether by a teacher or their peers. 

Jaden Barnett was choked by his teacher, Mr. Tatum, in front of the entire algebra class at W.R. Coile Middle School. Jaden said that “he saw black spots while being choked.” Another teacher in the classroom saw the altercation and shouted at Mr. Tatum to stop. The assistant teacher ran to the principal’s office to alert the administration and Mr. Tatum was instructed to leave. After the Barnett family filed an official police report, Mr. Tatum was arrested. The Barnett family are concerned that this teacher will not be held fully accountable by CCSD for hurting Jaden. 

Jaden said he was “caught off guard when an argument between him and another student ended with the arms of a teacher (who he once trusted) wrapped around his neck.” “I was like I couldn’t breathe.” Early December 2023, the story aired on Channel 2. (Click here for the Channel 2 news story). 

Since this altercation occurred, Jaden has been at home trying to keep up with his schoolwork until recently. His mother Porscha Barnett requested for online schooling support (or) for Jayden to be transferred to another school. CCSD administrators couldn’t accommodate either option and he was officially withdrawn from school as of March  2024. His grandmother Glenda Barnett states “My grandson did not ask for this…he is traumatized from this experience and no one seems to care. His mother, my grandson, and I have cried over this situation and we have get proper assistance from CCSD” said Jaden’s grandmother. The Barnett family are frustrated and disappointed by the lack of support from CCSD. The family may have to move outside of Athens so that Jaden can get back into school.

After Barnett’s family filed an official police report, Mr. Tatum was arrested but they’re still concerned that he will not be held accountable for hurting Jaden.  School officials did not keep the family informed on how Mr.Tatum would  be held accountable.

The family is seeking justice for Jaden, demanding proper communication, and academic support from CCSD. Jaden has been withdrawn from school because of this incident and the Barnett Family is seeking alternatives to ensure he receives a proper education. And the AADM (Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement) is currently working with the family to find Jaden a new school home.

Let’s work together to get Justice for Jaden Barnett. Never forget it takes a village to raise a child. Please complete the form below if you would like to help the Barnett Family.

Never forget: it takes a village to raise a child.