Teacher Hit At Frederick Douglass, School Investigating: Report

BALTIMORE, MD — Video of a student punching a teacher in Baltimore City has sparked an investigation, school officials tell media outlets. The incident reportedly occurred at Frederick Douglass High School on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

There was an argument between the student and the teacher at the school off Gwynns Falls Parkway, according to WJZ, which spoke with students and parents who said they were appalled.

A "teacher was struck by a student following a verbal exchange," Baltimore City Public Schools confirmed in a statement to WJZ, adding that Frederick Douglass High School administrators "continue to investigate [the] physical altercation."

The student was seen on video pushing another student then punching the teacher in the face and telling her not to "get smart with me." As the student leaves the classroom, the teacher follows suit.

Baltimore City Public Schools issued a statement on Thursday, Nov. 8, saying that it would offer counselors and social workers in the aftermath of the violence.

"Our focus is on ensuring a safe teaching and learning environment for students and staff," the statement said. "We understand that an incident like this one can be difficult to process. School counselors and social workers will be available at the school for students and staff to address any questions and concerns they may have. District leaders have also reached out to the teacher to provide any additional support that may be needed."

Baltimore Teachers Union President Marietta English called what happened "absolutely deplorable," in a statement to ABC 2 News. She said that she reiterated her call for measures to support both student and teacher safety in Baltimore City Public Schools.

Smaller class sizes, additional school psychologists and more guidance counselors were needed to curb violent behavior, English told Fox 45 in the spring.

The video showing the Nov. 7 altercation was shot on a cell phone, according to WBAL, which reported the chemistry teacher who was hit was not in class on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Here is the video of the student hitting the teacher at Frederick Douglass High School, posted to Instagram. Warning: It contains profanity and may be disturbing.

This is not the first time Frederick Douglass has made headlines for violence. In September 2015, there was an assault in the cafeteria that put a 16-year-old student in shock trauma with serious facial and head injuries from being punched repeatedly and stepped on by a 17-year-old peer. The assailant was charged with attempted murder and other offenses. He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree assault and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation, which ended this past September.

Image via Google street view.