Chalmette High teacher punched trying to break up fight; charges pending - FOX 8 Local First

ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. (WVUE) - A Chalmette High School teacher is recovering after being punched in the face trying to stop a fight in her class.

The fight broke out Friday afternoon (Sept. 16) and was captured on cell phone widely circulated on social media.

Two students have been suspended from campus and the school system says it wants a criminal investigation. The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office says it is reviewing video of the incident to determine what criminal charges the students might face.

Parents say they are appalled at the fight and the fact that a teacher who tried to stop it took a punch to the face.

“It was horrible because the two kids just wouldn’t stop fighting,” said Ruby Espino.

“I think it’s sad. They should’ve taken that outside and she should’ve called security,” said Tim Lannes.

St Bernard’s longtime school superintendent Doris Voitier says she too was stunned by what she saw.

“When I saw the video I was appalled, our teacher shouldn’t be involved in an environment like that and our students should have ways to settle their differences,” she said.

The video raises questions about school security and whether teachers should intervene.

School officials are seeking to press charges after a Chalmette High School teacher was punched while trying to break up a fight between two students on Fri., Sept. 16.(WVUE)

“She’s bruised. Her nose is not broken but she is bruised and I am very upset and we are fully supporting our teacher,” said Voitier.

St. Bernard deputies were on campus Monday as the investigation continued.

“We are proceeding with pressing charges and then the students will also be subject to the disciplinary practices of our school system,” said Voitier.

This is the second major incident at Chalmette High in a week’s time. On Sept. 12, a former student was arrested after school hours for allegedly pulling a gun during a fight on campus.

“We have adults, students, sometimes their anger gets the best of them. I’ve seen behavior that’s more intense than it used to be,” said Voitier.

School officials are seeking to press charges after a Chalmette High School teacher was punched while trying to break up a fight between two students on Fri., Sept. 16.(WVUE)

The school system has two full-time resource officers which some believe is not enough.

“Not really, they need to do more for everybody in the community,” said Espino.

”I told [the teacher] to take some time and make sure she gets fully healed before she comes back,” said Voitier.

Many are relieved the teacher, who has asked not to be identified, wasn’t hurt any worse.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office says they are reviewing the video of the incident to determine what the students may be charged with.

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Chalmette High teacher punched trying to break up fight; charges pending - FOX 8 Local First
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