Arizona Coach Placed on Leave After Video Shows Him Restraining Student
An investigation is underway after a confrontation erupted over school bathroom policy.
A coach at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona, has been placed on administrative leave following an incident where he was seen restraining a student. The altercation, which occurred on September 25, was captured on video and reportedly stemmed from an argument over the school's bathroom policy.
The footage, filmed by another student and shared with AZ Central, shows the staff member, identified by his shirt as a coach, pinning a student against a wall. The student can be heard yelling profanities at the coach during the struggle. The student's mother, Destiny Kilby, stated that her son's behavior did not warrant such treatment and that trained professionals should handle disciplinary situations appropriately.
Following the incident, the principal of Shadow Mountain High School sent a letter to parents confirming an investigation into the alleged misconduct and stating that the school is collaborating with the Phoenix Police Department. The letter noted that the staff member involved was placed on leave pending the investigation's outcome.
However, the outlet reported that the staff member was back on campus shortly after the notice was issued. Jaime Molera, Arizona's former Superintendent of Public Instruction, commented that such staff-student confrontations appear to be on the rise, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Shadow Mountain High School for further comment.