Tony Mitchell, a taxpayer and community member, said the New Orleans students acted in a manner consistent with fear. He said officers, administrators and teachers failed to protect them.

John Morrisson, representing the NAACP, contends that the "riot" was nothing more than a shouting match, with no punches thrown. He's concerned about the police response to the incident.

He said comments made in court by Officer Johnwayne Valdez were "unacceptable to the black community," particularly his comments about being minutes away from calling for back-up from other law enforcement agencies, and about the thought having crossed his mind that he might have to pull his gun.

Morrison said these comments made parents feel that the school was unprepared to deal with the occurrence. Holding up the issue of The Daily Sentinel published the day after the incident, featuring a photograph of student being led away in handcuffs, Morrison said the black community is also concerned about racial profiling.

"NISD police knew about this the day before, but they didn't notify board members, administrators or the city police department that they might need assistance," he said.