Just days after the first day of classes at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), chaos erupted at Green Tree Preparatory Academy on September 6, 2024, as Milwaukee police responded to a large-scale fight described by some sources as a “riot.” Law enforcement was called to the scene after reports indicated that rioting students had “taken over” the school, with an estimated 100 to 200 people involved in the melee.

Police arrived to find multiple groups fighting, and sources confirmed that arrests were made, though the exact number remains unclear. As many as 30 squad cars responded, and an all-city assist call was issued, highlighting the severity of the situation. Disturbingly, reports also suggest that some parents joined in the fighting, escalating the already chaotic scene, according to Wisconsin Right Now.

This alarming incident comes in the wake of MPS’s refusal to comply with a law requiring school resource officers in schools. Despite the bipartisan shared revenue act mandating the presence of officers three months ago, MPS has yet to put this safety measure in place. One source sarcastically remarked, “So glad MPS got the school resource officers they were told they needed,” emphasizing the growing frustration with the district’s inaction.

Green Tree Preparatory Academy, a charter school within the MPS system, serves students in grades 6-10, with plans to expand through grade 12. However, this incident underscores the rising concerns over school safety in Milwaukee, as students, parents, and educators grapple with the increasing violence and disorder.