Teacher arrested after video surfaces of her hitting a student in class
BEAUMONT, Texas (KFDM) — A high school math teacher is facing an assault charge after video surfaced of her hitting a student at least five times in class.
Mary A. Hastings, a 63-year-old teacher at Ozen High School, was arrested according to the school district and has been placed on paid leave.
The video, recorded by a classmate, shows Hastings hit a student while saying, "because you're stopping him from graduating you idiot [expletive]."
WARNING: Video contains strong language
The student who recorded the footage tells KFDM the incident happened Friday morning. It is unclear exactly what provoked Hastings to strike the student.
"The teacher was immediately removed from the classroom and placed on administrative leave pending action on her contract," stated a press release from the Beaumont Independent School District.
Hastings is out on a $2500 bond. It's her third year teaching for the district.
Read the full statement from BISD:
The Beaumont Independent School District can confirm that an Ozen High School teacher was arrested today for physically assaulting a student. The conduct was substantiated by video footage viewed by BISD police and administration. The District is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students. BISD does not condone employees abusing any child and will not tolerate such conduct. The teacher was immediately removed from the classroom and placed on administrative leave pending action on her contract.
Nakisha Burns
Special Assistant to the Superintendent
