Controversy After Video Surfaces of Teacher Pushing Student

Courtney Francisco,

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ROWAN COUNTY, NC — Video of what deputies say is a fight between a West Rowan High School teacher and student surfaced Friday.
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The teacher, Lee Linville, and the 15-year-old student are both facing charges.
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A classmate recorded the moment investigators say Linville threw the student to the ground in his classroom Thursday.
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However, it’s what’s not on camera that’s driving the controversy surrounding the teacher’s charge of simple assault.
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“You really need to see the whole thing from inception,” said Rick Cohen, the teacher’s neighbor.
A student, Andrew Burgess, agrees.
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“You need to see what the student is doing, too,” said Burgess.
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Before the classmate recorded, Rowan County Sheriff Deputies say the student tried to take off with the teacher’s school-issued laptop that was sitting on Linville’s desk.
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Linville stood in front of the child and told him to get back to his seat, according to investigators.Β 
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Witnesses say the boy pushed Linville then Linville pushed the 15-year-old into a metal cabinet.
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That’s where the video picks up, showing the teacher throwing the teenager.
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“I mean, they’re both in the wrong, but a lot of people are making it out to be that Linville being a really bad person about it,” said Burgess.
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No one answered the door at Linville’s home when WCCB Charlotte tried to ask him about the altercation.
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In addition to his simple assault charge, the District Attorney charged the teenager with disorderly conduct.
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He faces juvenile charges, which is why we aren’t releasing his name.
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“Lee was trying to defend himself, and I personally think he has a right to do that, regardless if he’s a teacher,” said Cohen.
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School District Spokesperson Rita Foil says the district suspended Linville without pay while the investigation continues.
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Β “We regret that this occurred. Our focus remains to be providing a safe environment for teaching and learning for all our students and staff,” said Foil.
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“I would say this is overreaction and political correctness at the worst,” said Cohen.
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Deputies did not arrest the student or the teacher. They served them a summons to court set for May 4.Β