School principal Ken Fells's job is on the line after an incident in March. (CBC)

The black community in Halifax is rallying behind a high profile school principal whose job is on the line over an incident at his school.

Ken Fells was suspended from his position at Graham Creighton Junior High in Cherry Brook after an incident on March 3. The RCMP was called in, but no charges were laid.

Parents and community leaders held a news conference in Halifax Friday to demonstrate their support for Fells, who they say defused a "potentially volatile situation" at the school.

Brad Barton, senior office administrator of the Black Educators Association, said a recommendation before the Halifax Regional School Board to fire Fells is not warranted.

"It has become evident to some members of the black community and structures representing black Nova Scotians in the education system, that we must become involved in this travesty," Barton said.

"Mr. Fells's entire career is in jeopardy because of actions taken to defuse a potentially volatile situation in the presence of students and staff in a school cafeteria. We question how the Halifax Regional School Board could consider termination when other options would be available."

The group supporting Fells says that he is a great principal who insists on order and respect in his schools.

According to the association, Fells demanded that a boy turn over his cellphone because he was taking inappropriate pictures of a girl. The boy was defiant and became physical. There was an altercation.

"Why should a school administrator fight for his professional career, after defending a female student for being bullied and harassed by a male schoolmate?" asked Barton.

"Why should a school staff be faced with students who defy them without fear of consequences? Reports from parents, staff and students indicated that there is a noticeable change in the behaviour of students since Mr. Fells's appointment there. This gradual improvement is now in jeopardy because the handling of the situation will drastically affect the attitudes and behaviour in this school."

Parent Jason Vaillancourt wants Fells to continue in his job.

"You would like to think that there's somebody that can actually make those children move along or adhere to the rules and policies of the school," Vaillancourt said.

Fells has also served as principal at Nelson Whynder Elementary in North Preston and St. Patrick's-Alexandra Elementary in Halifax.

The Halifax Regional School Board is expected to vote on the Fells case on Wednesday