Karmelo Anthony, Frisco teen accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, will receive high school diploma, organization says
Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing Frisco Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf during a track meet in early April, will be allowed to graduate and receive his high school diploma, a Dallas-based advocacy group said Tuesday.
According to Next Generation Action Network, Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, will not be allowed to participate in senior graduation activities. However, the organization said his 3.7 GPA and completion of all graduation requirements mean he can graduate without attending the final month and a half of the academic year.
"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," said Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN. "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."
Since holding a news conference with Anthony's family in mid-April, NGAN has participated in "multiple discussions" with Frisco ISD leadership, the release said.
"This resolution reflects a victory for justice, academic integrity, and student rights — and NGAN remains committed to standing with Karmelo Anthony and his family as the legal process continues," the organization said.
At the April news conference, Alexander said Anthony's family had been the target of false information, hateful attacks, and threats that misrepresented the family and the case.
"The Anthony family has been subjected to an unimaginable amount of hate, racism, and threats to their safety," Alexander said.
He said one of the key issues NGAN addressed with Frisco ISD was the district's decision to expel Anthony just one month before he was scheduled to graduate.
In response to a request for comment, a Frisco ISD spokesperson said the district cannot discuss individual student records due to privacy laws.
The district also shared a letter that Superintendent Mike Waldrip sent to the Centennial High School community, which criticized "needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol" surrounding the school's upcoming graduation. The letter also said that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Title V felonies include homicide, kidnapping and sexual assault.
"Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others. We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor, and integrity," the letter said.
According to authorities, the altercation between Anthony and Metcalf occurred when Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting in a restricted area. After a brief exchange, Metcalf allegedly pushed Anthony, who then stabbed him in the chest. Anthony fled the scene but later claimed self-defense. Anthony is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
