The incident, which took place on April 15, has sparked outrage and concerns about the safety of educators in the classroom.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) shared details of the incident on Facebook, stating that the unidentified juvenile was filmed standing over a seated teacher before striking her in the face. The video, which quickly went viral, shows the teacher asking if the assault affected her, to which the student responds with profanity and a threat to strike her again. Shockingly, the student follows through on the threat, hitting the teacher a second time, causing her glasses to fly off her face.

Local TV station WGHP reported that the school's principal, Noel Keener, informed parents that the student would face disciplinary action in addition to the criminal charges for their "inappropriate and unsettling" behavior. The superintendent, Tricia McManus, expressed her support for the teacher, vowing that the student's actions would not be tolerated. She emphasized the importance of providing the teacher with the necessary support to navigate the lasting effects of the incident.

Superintendent McManus also intends to recommend the expulsion of the student from the school district in a separate hearing, apart from the ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, former teachers from Parkland High School have come forward to express their lack of surprise at the incident, citing a deterioration of behavioral problems in the wake of COVID-19 school closures.

The FCSO Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. condemned the assault, calling for everyone to be outraged by the mistreatment of educators. He expressed his thoughts and prayers for the students who witnessed the incident and the teacher involved. The sheriff's office has charged the student with one count of communicating threats and two counts of misdemeanor assault. As the student is a juvenile, no additional information will be released.

This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of teachers within educational environments. It is imperative that educational institutions and authorities take swift and decisive action to address behavioral issues and ensure the protection of those who dedicate their lives to educating students.