SC teacher caught on video in classroom fight with student resigns, school district says

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Ridge View High School, School Resource Officers and district administrators are investigating an incident that occurred in a classroom Tuesday between a 15-year-old student and a school employee.

According to a Richland 2 School District spokesperson on Wednesday, the school district accepted the resignation of the teacher caught on video.

According to officials, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday a Richland County Sheriff’s Department School Resource Officer responded to the altercation. No other students or staff were involved.

Ridge View High School Principal Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth sent home a note Tuesday saying that she could not share too many details due to the on going investigations. Video has surfaced showing the employee throwing punches at the student while the student has his arms around the employee. The employee was given adminstrative leave which officials say is district board policy.

The principal also stated in her letter that “school and district administrators will take appropriate action following board policy and district procedures.”

The principal released a statement about the incident saying:

Dear Ridge View High Parents,

I’m writing to let you know that school and district administrators as well as our School Resource Officers are investigating an incident that occurred in a classroom today between a student and an employee. From what we know so far, an employee and student engaged in a physical altercation and videos are circulating on social media.

We wanted you to know that we are taking this incident very seriously. Ridge View High and Richland School District Two does not condone physical altercations and violent behavior. We strive to ensure a safe and secure environment for teaching and learning. Pending the outcome of the investigation, school and district administrators will take appropriate action following board policy and district procedures.

With an ongoing district and law enforcement investigation I am unable to share many other details. Our administrators, however, are always available to hear any concerns parents or students may have. Please contact the school and ask to speak with me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth

Principal

Richland School District Two administrators are investigating this incident and pending the outcome will take appropriate action following board policy and district procedures. Superintendent Dr. Baron R. Davis released a statement to parents, students, and staff, saying:

Dear Richland Two Family, I know many of you have heard about or have seen the video of an incident that occurred on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, involving a teacher/student altercation. I am deeply troubled by what I saw and heard. I know many of you are too. This moment is not representative of the school or our school district. Throughout our district, we strive to prevent incidents and altercations that jeopardize our top priority — ensuring a safe, secure and nurturing environment for teaching and learning. We maintain high expectations of conduct for our employees, students and visitors. When these expectations are not met, I want to assure you that I and Richland Two administrators act swiftly to address problems, reinforce expectations and uphold our Core Values of Learning, Community, Character and Joy. Today, district and school administrators continued with the investigation that was started immediately after the incident was reported yesterday. We continue to cooperate fully with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, which is also conducting an investigation. I appreciate your continued support as we focus on sustaining our culture and environment of excellence, especially when dealing with difficult situations. I hope this letter helps reassure you that inappropriate conduct in our school district will not be tolerated and will be addressed in accordance with laws and policies.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

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