Video shows school resource officer slamming black female student to the ground
A video of a white police officer grabbing, flipping and ultimately dragging a black female high school student became a trending topic on Twitter late Monday...
A video of a white police officer grabbing, flipping and ultimately dragging a black female high school student became a trending topic on Twitter late Monday.
#AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh was trending worldwide, with scores of tweets and detailed accounts from students at the South Carolina school where it happened.
According to the New York Times, the school resource officer was “responding to a disruptive student who was refusing to leave class.”
The 15-second video clip shows the officer approach the student, who is sitting at her desk. The male officer stands behind the student, grabbing her arm and neck area before eventually flipping the student over completely to the ground.
The officer then drags the student towards the front of the classroom as the teacher and classmates look on.
WLTX-TV identified the officer as Deputy Ben Fields. He was reportedly placed on administrative duty, pending the outcome of an investigation.
Richland School District Two. Superintendent Dr. Libby Roof issued the following statement to WLTX:
Our District is deeply concerned about an incident that occurred at Spring Valley High School today. The incident took place between a school resource officer employed by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and a student. Video of the incident is circulating on social media.
Student safety is and always will be the District’s top priority. The District will not tolerate any actions that jeopardize the safety of our students.
Upon learning of the incident, school and district administrators began an investigation. We are working closely and in full cooperation with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to conduct a thorough and complete investigation.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the District has directed that the school resource officer not return to any school in the District.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.Â
