Controversy After Video Surfaces of Teacher Pushing Student

ROWAN COUNTY, NC — Video of what deputies say is a fight between a West Rowan High School teacher and student surfaced Friday.

 

The teacher, Lee Linville, and the 15-year-old student are both facing charges.

 

A classmate recorded the moment investigators say Linville threw the student to the ground in his classroom Thursday.

 

However, it’s what’s not on camera that’s driving the controversy surrounding the teacher’s charge of simple assault.

 

“You really need to see the whole thing from inception,” said Rick Cohen, the teacher’s neighbor.

A student, Andrew Burgess, agrees.

 

“You need to see what the student is doing, too,” said Burgess.

 

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.

 

Linville stood in front of the child and told him to get back to his seat, according to investigators. 

 

Witnesses say the boy pushed Linville then Linville pushed the 15-year-old into a metal cabinet.

 

That’s where the video picks up, showing the teacher throwing the teenager.

 

“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.

 

No one answered the door at Linville’s home when WCCB Charlotte tried to ask him about the altercation.

 

In addition to his simple assault charge, the District Attorney charged the teenager with disorderly conduct.

 

He faces juvenile charges, which is why we aren’t releasing his name.

 

“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.

 

School District Spokesperson Rita Foil says the district suspended Linville without pay while the investigation continues.

 

 “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.

 

“I would say this is overreaction and political correctness at the worst,” said Cohen.

 

Deputies did not arrest the student or the teacher. They served them a summons to court set for May 4.