Grade fixing scandal, principal says it's false

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A New Haven high school principal is accused of bending the rules to raise the grades of student athletes.

On Tuesday night the Hillhouse principal came out swinging, calling the accusations a political "witch hunt," taking aim at New Haven Mayor John DeStefano.

"This is political vindictiveness," said Kermin Carolina, Principal of Hillhouse High School, "this is a witch hunt."

An investigation concluded, among other things, that Carolina may have helped to promote three student athletes and one non-athlete when they didn't earn high enough grades.

Carolina held a rally on the front steps of the school. He says Mayor DeStefano is retaliating against him because he did not support his campaign last election.

"I would never set up a student athlete or any student for failure by giving them preferential treatment," said Carolina, "and not making them work hard to get where they are. Talk to any of my student athletes and they will tell you I have the highest of standards.

Students, many of which were athletes, attended the rally in support of the school principal.

"No books, no bull. That was always our motto. That is what he stressed to us and that is what we went by," said Dearie Allick, a former sports player, "so to hear [about this] was disturbing."

The mayor's office released a statement, saying "The allegations were made by a whistle-blower, who is an assistant principal of the school. That's what it was, that's what it is. The investigation speaks for itself, and the only victims are the students. It doesn't make any sense to graduate any students with credits they didn't earn. The most important thing is to protect the students, and the credibility and integrity of their education."

Some of Carolina's former athletes defended their principal and said that not only did they not get any special treatment, but it was the tough love that let them succeed in life.

"I was getting into trouble and he got me out of trouble and put me on the straight path," said Chris Murell, a former sports player. "I got expelled my freshman year and he put me on the straight path. I got on the honor roll to stay on the team, graduate Hillhouse and go to college. Now, I own my own business."

Carolina stood side-by-side with his lawyer saying that no matter what punishment is handed out, the fight will continue until his name is completely cleared.

"I want to make it very clear, I am not going anywhere and I want to say it again, I am not going anywhere," said Carolina. "I don't plan on going anywhere."