A North Carolina school policing case is drawing national scrutiny after a school resource officer who body-slammed a 14-year-old student, leaving her unconscious with a reported brain injury, received only a two-day suspension and remains employed.
The incident involves Officer Hasun Rogers of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, who was disciplined months after the October 31 encounter with freshman Ke’Nadie Cathey at West Charlotte High School.
Family Still Searching for Justice
While the disciplinary outcome has sparked debate, the most poignant reaction has come from the teen’s mother, Shakera Rorie, who says the family is still trying to understand what happened—and what comes next.
“We just want something done,” Rorie said. “This never happened to us before, so we don’t even know what steps to take.”
Her statement reflects the uncertainty and frustration many families face when navigating incidents involving law enforcement in schools, particularly when outcomes fall short of public expectations.
What Happened
According to an internal affairs letter obtained by local media, officers were responding to reports of a potential fight after school dismissal when a large crowd gathered in a parking lot.
Officer Rogers reportedly used his Taser in warning mode to disperse students before intervening physically. Authorities say the teen had been involved in an altercation and struck a staff member and another student before Rogers restrained her.
The report states that Rogers lifted Cathey off the ground and slammed her onto her back and head. She immediately lost consciousness and suffered a seizure.
Her attorney later confirmed she sustained a “serious brain injury.”
Discipline Sparks Backlash
Despite the severity of the incident, Rogers was suspended without pay for two days and removed from his position as a school resource officer.
He was not terminated and has since returned to duty.
The outcome has triggered widespread backlash online, with critics questioning whether the punishment matches the level of force used.
Some commenters described the officer’s actions as excessive, arguing that the force applied went beyond what was necessary to control the situation.
Others called for more context, noting the chaotic environment officers were responding to.
A Broader Issue: Policing in Schools
The case has reignited debate over the role of law enforcement in schools and the use of force against minors. School resource officers are often tasked with maintaining safety, but critics argue that their presence can escalate situations, particularly when dealing with students.
Civil rights advocates have long raised concerns about disproportionate disciplinary actions and the criminalization of student behavior, especially in cases involving physical force.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear whether Cathey’s family will pursue legal action, though calls for accountability continue to grow. The department has not publicly detailed any additional consequences beyond the suspension.
As the case continues to circulate online, it has become part of a larger national conversation—one that questions not only individual actions, but the systems that govern accountability when force is used in school settings.
For the family at the center of it, however, the issue remains deeply personal.
“We just want something done,” Rorie repeated, a sentiment now echoed by many demanding answers.
