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NJ Daycare Workers Accused Of Running Toddler "Fight Club"
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 1, 2015
Modified Sep 1, 2015
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By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 1, 2015
Modified Sep 1, 2015
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Two daycare employees were charged with child abuse for allegedly running a "fight club" involving children under their supervision. Videos of the fights were shared via social media and a prosecutor said that one of the defendants "can be heard referencing the activity as 'Fight Club,' quoting from the book and movie of the same name in encouraging the children to engage each other physically."
Erica Kenny, 22, and Chanese White, 28, worked at the Lightbridge Academy in Cranford, NJ, where, the Union County prosecutor's office says, they fostered the abusive environment among children ages four to six. Kenny, who was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, apparently filmed the fights and used Snapchat to broadcast them. From MyCentralJersey: "[Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H.] Park said that approximately 12 boys and girls at the daycare center can be seen in the video clips shoving each other to the ground and attempting to strike each other. The children involved in the fights are not believed to have suffered any serious injuries."
The daycare issued a statement:
"Today the Union County Prosecutor’s Office informed us that charges have been filed against two former staff members related to their encouragement of children to push and shove each other on the playground on August 13th. As parents and caregivers, we are shocked and saddened by this isolated incident and we have assisted the prosecutor’s office from the start of its investigation into this matter.
"While no children were physically harmed during this incident, we have a zero tolerance policy for anyone who acts in conflict with the core value of Lightbridge Academy — the safety and well-being of children. We terminated the employment of these staff members and have maintained open communication with our parents throughout this process.
"We sincerely thank our parents and dedicated staff for their support and patience. The actions of these two individuals do not reflect the culture of Lightbridge Academy and what we have stood for more than 18 years. While we will continue to fully support and assist the prosecutor’s office, we remain focused on the education and well-being of all children in our care."
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Union County Prosecutor's Office Detective Joanne Son at 908-527-4696.
Tagged
arrest
child abuse
nj
toddler fight club
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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