Father of Teen Who Was Killed at Track Meet Questions His Son's Alleged Killer Being Allowed to Graduate

The father of the Texas high schooler who was killed by another student at a track and field meet in April is criticizing the school district for allowing his alleged killer to graduate, although school officials have said that the teen will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

According to CBS News Texas, NBC 5 DFW and Dallas Morning News, the Frisco Independent School District (FISD)’s superintendent confirmed that 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony will not be participating in a graduation ceremony after he was accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, 17, at a track meet last month.

The advocacy group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) confirmed to the outlets in a statement that Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, will receive his diploma and graduate from high school this year, as he has a 3.7 GPA and has completed graduation requirements.

He will not, however, be allowed to participate in any senior graduation activities.

“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, told the outlets. “As the largest social justice organization in North Texas, NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family’s legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution. This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”

Alexander also told Dallas Morning News that the news of Anthony’s graduation comes after the organization, Anthony’s legal team and the school district had reached an “agreement” about the 18-year-old’s education.

A FISD spokesperson declined to comment to Dallas Morning News and CBS News Texas, citing privacy laws. The district did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, May 24.

Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, has since spoken out about the decision to allow Anthony to receive his degree. The Daily Mail reported that Jeff has filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to contest the decision.

The father also told CBS News Texas that he went to the FISD administration building to speak with superintendent Mike Waldrip about allowing Anthony to graduate, but was not allowed in without an appointment.

“I’ve been stonewalled. Sad, you know, I understand the protocol,” Jeff told the outlet. “They said I have to make an appointment, which I did.”

The first-degree murder case surrounding Anthony — which stems from an April 2 incident in which he stabbed Austin during a confrontation over seating at a track and field meet between their high schools — has quickly become political.

KERA previously reported that a group called Protect White Americans protested against Austin’s death and called it an act of racial violence, and Austin’s father Jeff later spoke out against the protesters.

“You’re trying to create more race divide than bridging the gap,” he told the organization over the phone when they held a rally at David Kuykendall Stadium, where the stabbing occurred.

Tensions also arose later in April when Jeff went to the Dallas venue where the parents of Anthony were speaking publicly for the first time, and was asked to leave the premises.

Alexander criticized Jeff at the press conference for deciding to attend the event, saying that his attendance was “a disrespect to the dignity of his son.”

Alexander added: “He knew that it is inappropriate to be near the family, but he did it. Actions speak louder than words.”

Waldrip has previously tried to quell “misinformation” about the case. In an earlier email sent to Centennial High School staff, students and families two weeks ago, he dispelled social media rumors that Anthony would be walking at graduation.

“I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony,” Waldrip wrote, per CBS News Texas.

Authorities allege that on April 2, Anthony, then 17, stabbed 17-year-old Austin at a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. Police previously said Anthony removed a knife from his backpack and stabbed Austin. In an interview with local media, Anthony’s attorney said his client is claiming he acted in self-defense.

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“I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened,” Deric Walpole told NBC 5 DFW on April 4. “I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”

According to an affidavit, Anthony told an officer, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”

“He put his hands on me. I told him not to,” Anthony told police, according to the affidavit, also asking “if what happened could be considered self-defense.”

An eyewitness told police, according to the affidavit, that the dispute began when Austin asked Anthony to move from under a tent that had been set up for his high school track team.

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“Touch me and see what happens,” Anthony allegedly told Austin.

The eyewitness said Austin then touched Anthony, and Anthony responded by telling him to punch him and see what happens.

The affidavit claims that when Austin went to try and physically move Anthony, the now 18-year-old then pulled the knife and stabbed Austin.

Anthony was charged with first-degree murder and was released after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000, per FOX 4.