Violence remains an ongoing problem in the New York City school system.

On Dec. 16, Alfredo Allen, a 15-year-old high school student, was stabbed by another student, Chevoy Nelson, 16, in the Erasmus Hall Educational Complex in Brooklyn.

Allen attends the High School for Youth and Community Development and Nelson attends the High School for Service and Learning, two smaller schools in the Erasmus Complex.

The altercation occurred after the two got into an argument over a basketball. Nelson stabbed Allen, who was taken to Kings County Hospital where he underwent surgery. The incident is under investigation by the New York City Police Department.

The Department of Education has expressed its sympathies to Allen.

“My heart is just breaking for this family right now and I’d like to ask that everyone keep Alfredo in their thoughts and prayers tonight,” said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott in a statement.

There are five small high schools located inside the Erasmus Hall Educational Campus, including the Academy for College Preparation and Career Exploration: A College Board School; Academy of Hospitality and Tourism; the High School for Service and Learning at Erasmus; the High School for Youth and Community Development at Erasmus; and the Science, Technology and Research Early College High School at Erasmus.

When asked if it was simply the basketball incident or if the fact that the two students attended smaller schools inside the Erasmus building had anything to do with their conflict, the AmNews didn’t receive a comment from the Board of Education at press time.

City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, who represents Flatbush, East Flatbush and Flatlands in Brooklyn, was particularly upset by the situation. His spokesperson, Stefan Ringel, said Williams had reached out the precinct commander to get more information on how it had happened and to Allen’s parents to offer assistance.

Ringel added that Williams’ office has contacted the DOE to push for greater safety at the Erasmus High School Complex.

A further update on Allen’s condition was not available at press time.