DCPS teacher removed from classroom after being accused of putting hands on a student

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Duval County Public School teacher has been temporarily removed from the classroom, while school leaders investigate a claim made by a 4th-grade student.

Action News Jax spoke with the mother of the student Thursday. We’re only identifying her by her first name, as she said she fears retaliation.

”My child came home from school and he said that he got into it an altercation with another child,” Tarmaria said. “And, that the teacher held his arms up by his wrists and told the [other] child to come over there and slap him in the face.”

Action News Jax is not naming the teacher, because she has not been charged with a crime. She has no prior arrests or charges. But, a police report for the incident was filed. We have been given the incident number and requested the full report.

”While she’s holding his wrist, she got his hand up against the desk,” Tarmaria said. “While she’s just grabbing and digging her nails in his wrist.”

Tamaria said her 10-year-old son is afraid to go back to class. ”He was embarrassed,” she said. “You know, she did it in front of the whole class. She did it in front of the class, so he was crying.”

The school board told Action News Jax that the teacher has been with the district for 17 years.

A spokesperson sent us this statement in regards to the incident: ”We are aware of this report. The employee has been temporarily reassigned to duties without student contact as this report is investigated.”

©2021 Cox Media Group