Video Shows Fight Between Students, CMS Employee

CHARLOTTE, NC — Cell phone video shows a fight between students and a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employee at Harding University High School Wednesday.

Police records show one student has been arrested. Doctors checked the employee for injuries Wednesday evening.

WCCB Charlotte has learned the teacher works with students classified with behavioral issues.

In the video, you can hear hitting and watch as as students beat the employee in the hallway. She appears to try and push the students away as the teens keep coming.

“They’re between a rock and a hard place,” said Will Adams with Team TruBlu. “Do I fight back and hope that the school system stands behind me, and I keep my job, or do I just allow the child to beat on me?”

Students immediately sent the cell phone video to the anti-violence activist.

“We have to stop and think about things before we act on something,” said Adams. “Now a days, kids just are doing it. They are just lashing out.”

CMS did not comment on whether the employee has a right to defend herself.

Some students claim the employee started the altercation.

“Teacher nor student should, you know what I’m saying, should be in this type of predicament, but at the same time as making our school look bad,” said Raquan Carr.

Parents like his father are upset over negative press since students posted the video.

“It’s not fair to the kids who are trying,” said Eddie Byrdsong. “This is my son. He’s graduating!”

20 seconds into the fight, a school resource officer intervenes.

The attack lasts nearly 40 seconds.

“It’s just sad, and I pray that these kids who did it look back come to be able to at least apologize,” said Adams.

Police reports show investigators have initially classified the charge against the student arrested as simple assault.