Viral video leads to teacher assault charge
BEAUMONT — Beaumont Independent School District police and administrators are investigating an Ozen High School teacher after video surfaced online of her hitting a student in class.
Students in Mary Hasting's math class recorded her hitting a student multiple times before mimicking him.
The video was recorded around 10:45 a.m. on Friday.
Hastings was arrested by police and taken to the Jefferson County Jail.
She bonded out on $2,5000 and is charged with assault.
Although Hastings is a veteran teacher, she has only been in the district for three years.
One Ozen student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Hastings is a great teacher and that students always throw things and cuss at Hastings.
"You know we only see 12 seconds of it. That's all it is. It's not the whole thing," the student said.
The student said some students were upset about the video while others including some staff members were shocked.
"They were saying that's not like her. They were upset that she had done it. It was hurtful. She had to be escorted off campus," said the student.
Hastings is charged with misdemeanor assault and could possibly face jail time.
In a statement sent to KFDM, the school district condemned the teacher's actions,stating "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."
Hastings is on administrative leave with pay until the investigation into the video is complete.
