May 2025 — Texas News & Justice Desk — The father of Austin Metcalf, a Texas high school student fatally stabbed during a track meet last month, is publicly questioning the decision by school officials to allow the alleged perpetrator, Karmelo Anthony, to graduate from high school, despite being charged with murder.
🎓 The Controversy
According to reports from CBS News Texas, NBC 5 DFW, and the Dallas Morning News, the Frisco Independent School District (FISD) confirmed that Karmelo Anthony, 18, will receive his high school diploma but will not be allowed to attend the graduation ceremony or participate in other senior activities.
Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, is accused of fatally stabbing Metcalf, 17, at a school-sanctioned athletic event in April. The attack shocked the community and drew national headlines.
📚 School District’s Response
FISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip acknowledged the sensitive nature of the decision, stating:
“While Anthony has completed the necessary academic requirements, his participation in any public or celebratory events has been revoked.”
The school emphasized its position that academic fulfillment and ceremonial privilege are separate matters.
💔 Father Speaks Out
Austin Metcalf’s father expressed outrage and heartbreak, stating that the decision to allow Anthony to graduate — even without public participation — sends the wrong message about accountability.
“My son will never walk across a stage. His life was taken. How does someone accused of that still get to move forward as if nothing happened?” he said.
🧑⚖️ Legal Status and GPA
Anthony remains under investigation and has not yet gone to trial. Despite the charges, an advocacy group, Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), confirmed that Anthony:
- Holds a 3.7 GPA
- Has completed all graduation requirements
NGAN acknowledged the tragedy but advocated for due process and preservation of educational rights until legal guilt is determined.
⚖️ A Divided Community
The situation has deeply divided the Frisco community:
- Some argue that Anthony should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
- Others believe that granting academic milestones before a trial undermines the severity of the crime.
School counselors and crisis teams remain available to support grieving students and families at Frisco Centennial High School.
Final Thoughts
As the legal case unfolds, the situation raises difficult questions about justice, academic policy, and public perception. For now, the focus remains on mourning a young life lost, and navigating a complex intersection of law, education, and community values.
By ✍️ Yorlinda Ramìrez - MicuPost Team
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