Police were called to King/Robinson Interdistrict Magnet School in Winter Haven, Connecticut, around 3:45 p.m. Feb. 1, where a 12-year-old student accused her teacher of pulling her hair, according to WTNH.
Teacher arrested for pulling 12-year-old student’s hair during school fight
Jennifer Wells-Jackson, 49, has been charged with risk of injury to a minor and second-degree disorderly conduct violation.
In a video that has circulated online, the veteran school teacher appears to hold Destinique James’ hair behind her as several other students scream around her before she lets go.
Destinique was not seriously injured and refused medical attention, police said.
Destinique James, the student’s mother, told WTNH she was upset about what happened.
She said Destinique told her the altercation occurred after the final bell began dismissing students.
Destinique said, “There are certain things you say and there are certain things you don’t say, there are certain things you do and certain things you’re not supposed to do, especially when you’re dealing with people’s children.
“At the end of the day, there’s no justification for laying hands on someone’s child.”
Wells-Jackson has been described as a well-respected teacher and community activist who served for years on the New Haven Federation of Teachers, according to local news reports.
New Haven Public Schools told FOX 61 : “The district takes student safety very seriously. The school and district are cooperating fully with the New Haven Police Department’s investigation.”
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