HENDRY COUNTY – A substitute teacher in Florida was arrested for allegedly inciting and enabling middle school students to fight, according to deputies.
The arrest occurred after a parent showed a video of the incident to school resource officers at a parent conference, according to officials.
What we know:
On April 16, the parent of a LaBelle Middle School student informed school staff and deputies about a video on her child’s cellphone that allegedly showed an altercation between students during class the day before.
In the video, Ty’Asia Holmes, a substitute teacher, restrained a student while another student taunted her. Both girls can be heard arguing, and Holmes tells them to stop and settle their differences outside of school at the “park.”
Authorities said Holmes also allowed one of her students in the classroom to call another teacher directly and request that the student seen shouting in the video be sent to her room, where the confrontation would take place.
There was no physical contact between the students, but the actions captured on video were “those of intimidation and physical threat,” according to deputies.
According to authorities, Holmes conspired with the students to create conditions for a fight to occur.
She was charged with two counts of child neglect and eight counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Holmes was taken to the Hendry County Jail and then released after posting a $35,000 bond.
‘I am disgusted’
What they’re saying:
“I am disgusted and appalled by this substitute teacher’s behaviour,” Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden said in a statement. “Schools should be a safe place for children and staff.” Sheriff Whidden added, “We will continue to work closely with the schools to ensure their safety”.