FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A student is accused of attacking a teacher at Parkland High School in Forsyth County, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reports that a video from Monday allegedly shows a student at Parkland High School assaulting an educator. The sheriff’s office did not release the video.
The video shows a student walking up to his teacher cussing and yelling and then slapping her in the face twice. Law enforcement officials wouldn’t tell FOX8 what led up to this, but they said this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Forsyth County.
On Tuesday, Juvenile Justice issued a secure custody order for one count of communicating threats and two counts of misdemeanor assault.
“We all agree that this incident was deplorable and outrageous to the community and
community organizations,” said Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. “All of us should be outraged when those who educate us can be assaulted. We should hold those who teach and educate our children to the highest regard. Our hope and our prayer at the FCSO is that we recognize that we, as a community, must bring order not only to our community but our children. We are praying for wholeness for those students who witnessed this and the educator involved. Thank you to all who have given their support, and a special thanks Mr. Jim O’Neill of the District Attorney’s office. The office of the people is committed to the safety of our teachers, this community and all that dwell and work in Forsyth County.”
In a statement, WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus said, “This behavior will not be tolerated. At no time is it acceptable for students to put their hands on a teacher in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. My focus now is on making sure that our teacher is taken care of and has the support needed to navigate through the lasting effects of this incident.”
PHS Principal Noel Kenner shared the following statement:
Hello Parkland Families, this is Noel Keener, Principal at Parkland High School. I am calling to let you know that earlier today our administration was made aware of a disturbing video of an inappropriate and unsettling interaction between a student and a teacher being circulated on social media. Our administration has started an investigation immediately in conjunction with our law enforcement partners at the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The student involved in the video will face disciplinary action in accordance with district policies and procedures.The student may also face criminal charges.
Please know this video is not reflective of our expectations of students at Parkland High School. We are working with district staff to address this immediately and ensure behavior like this is not tolerated in our school and district.
We always appreciate you making us aware anytime there is something that concerns you. When you see a concerning social media post or text, please remember to report it, not repost or reshare it. We ask that you remind students about the consequences that can come from circulating or sharing inappropriate videos. We take all such matters seriously and thank you for your patience, partnership, and understanding. If you have any questions, please let me know.
PHS Principal Noel Keener
The sheriff’s office is not publicly identifying the suspect due to the suspect’s age. Student information and disciplinary information is federally protected and cannot be released by school officials.
On Tuesday afternoon, Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill, Kimbrough and Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn held a press conference.
O’Neill voiced his support for teachers, while Kimbrough urged the community to be aware of the problems teachers face.
“We hope … the message we’ve delivered here today is that our teachers, our administrators that are out in these schools … deserve to feel safe. We are here to protect you, and we’re here to see that … you’re never assaulted when you go to work … We do want to remind people if you put your hands on a teacher, it’s the same as if you put your hands on one of these officers. The district attorney’s office will … bright the weight of this office down on top of you, so you should have fear of consequences.”
FOX8 crews spotted Kimbrough and O’Neill leaving the high school on Tuesday afternoon after they said they met with the teacher involved.
“I still see it playing in my head,” Kimbrough said. “I’m amazed that she even showed up for work today.”
Those who’ve seen the video are horrified by what they watched.
“The video was despicable, and it doesn’t represent our community,” Penn said.
McManus said there will be a hearing to determine the student’s consequences separate from the legal consequences. She’s going to recommend expulsion.
“It’s just like everything else,” she said. “You’ve got people that are going to make bad decisions on a daily basis in schools, out of schools, in the community, everywhere. And we’ve got to take those incidents, and we’ve got to address them.”
When asked if the district attorney’s office was planning to try this juvenile as an adult, O’Neill said because these charges only amount to a misdemeanor, he’s unable to bring the case to superior court.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office directly at (336) 727-2112, anonymously text information or images to Text-A-Tip at (336) 920-8477 or anonymously call Crimestoppers at (336) 727-2800 for English or (336) 728-3904 for Spanish.
