A DeSoto High School teacher is being investigated after a video posted to social media shows a physical altercation between him and a student.
The video, shared with CBS News by an independent journalist, was allegedly taken by a student outside the building.
It shows the teacher holding the student up against a pillar, where the teacher allegedly has his hand around the student’s neck.
The student then falls and is on the ground. The teacher can be heard in the video saying, “Respect, man,” and “Don’t you ever try and play me.”
The teacher then lets the student get up before walking away toward the parking lot.
DeSoto Independent School District said that the teacher was placed on leave once they were made aware of the altercation.
A spokesperson for DISD released a statement to CBS News saying the district is currently conducting its own investigation into the incident.
“The District is aware of the incident involving a staff member and a student which was recorded and published on social media. Promptly upon becoming aware of this incident, the District took the necessary steps required in accordance with Board policy. Concurrently, an investigation has been initiated, in cooperation with the DeSoto Police Department,” the district said. “Our primary focus remains the welfare and safety of our students, and we are committed to taking appropriate measures based on the findings of our investigation. Due to the nature of this being a personnel issue, the District is not at liberty to disclose further details regarding individual personnel matters. We assure our community that we are dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.”
The DeSoto police department told CBS News they were also investigating the incident but haven’t issued an arrest warrant or determined the appropriate charge.
Texas Scorecard reached out to the district to see if there were any updates on the investigation, but a spokesperson with the district said there were no updates at this time.
Teachers around the state are being caught and charged with crimes against children, and more “bad apples” are being charged almost daily.
