Student, teacher get into physical altercation over cell phone

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WHBQ) - A teacher in Memphis, Tennessee, is facing an assault allegation.

It stemmed from an altercation with a student over a cell phone.

Police described what is seen in the video as a “tussle.”

The video shows a teacher and a student entangled over a cell phone.

“When I seen the teacher on my daughter, my heart dropped. I was worried. I was concerned. I was too busy, worried about my child’s safety,” said mother Gwendolyn Williams.

This year, Tennessee banned cell phones in classrooms statewide.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools recently updated its policy to follow the law.

It says phone can be confiscated, but “teachers are not encouraged to physically retrieve them, only request a surrender or call an administrator.”

“Overly too far. Yes, ma’am. Because if I did that as a parent, CPS. They’ll say that’s wrong, and be held accountable for your actions,” Williams said.

The school district said the teacher has been referred to the Department of Children’s Services and the Office of Professional Standards for an investigation.

Williams said her daughter is too afraid to return to Ridgeway High School. She said that she wants the school district to use this moment to not only enforce the phone ban, but to protect students.

“She could have contacted one of the officers that was there. She even could have contacted me because I’m an active mom. You’re never supposed to put your hand on someone else’s child. That’s not part of your job,” Williams said.

The school district confirmed they are investigating the incident.

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