Video Shows Student Punching Teacher In Face During Class, Incident Under Investigation

Baltimore, Maryland, school administrators were investigating an incident after a video showing a student punching a teacher in the face went viral Wednesday.

The video shows two students arguing while standing close to a teacher. One of the students suddenly backs away and the other strikes the teacher, who recoils.

“Don't get smart with me,” the student says before leaving the classroom while cursing.

“I didn't get smart with you," the teacher responds.

WBAL-TV 11 reported the teacher was highly regarded state science educator and a respected elder at a church.

She was not at school Thursday and there was no word about when she would return. It was also not clear if the student would face any punishment and whether any charges will be filed against him.

“The footage of a student punching one of our members in the face is absolutely deplorable. Our teachers and paraprofessionals work too hard and sacrifice too much of their time, creativity and genuine love for teaching to be treated in such a manner by anyone, including their students,” Marietta English, president of the Baltimore Teachers Union said, CBC Local reported.

“As I stated in my testimony before the new school security policy was passed by the School Board last spring, the District must develop and implement policies that not only provide options for students who express this type of behavior, but also protection and other measures for the teachers, staff and students who bear the brunt of their rage,” she added.

Baltimore City Public Schools too issued a statement saying, “School administrators at Frederick Douglass High School continue to investigate a physical altercation that took place today when a teacher was struck by a student following a verbal exchange. Ensuring a safe teaching and learning environment for our students and staff is paramount to City Schools. Upon reviewing the incident, school administrators will apply disciplinary action in accordance with Baltimore City Public Schools’ Code of Conduct.”