Teacher suspended for 'bullying' special needs student
A substitute teacher has been suspended after he allegedly joined in on bullying a special needs student at a high school in the US.
Stephen Davis, 15, recorded the alleged incident on his mobile phone during a maths class at Streamwood High in Illinois.
A student drew a cartoon-like sketch with buck teeth, hairy ears and a runny nose on an electronic whiteboard, before announcing to the class that it looked like Stephen.
It is alleged the teacher, who was the one person supposed to help Stephen in this sort of situation, then added to the harassment by adding the phrase 'Stephen's ugly ass'.
Stephen told the Daily Herald: "Everyone told me, 'that looks like you'.
"Everyone was standing there pointing at me, laughing at me, while I was on the verge of tears."
Stephen, who weighs 149kg, claims he has been picked on by fellow classmates because of his size, but this was the first time a teacher had chimed in on the taunts.
"He should not be allowed around children, if he's going to do this to someone," Stephen said. "No other family should have to go through this suffering. This is unimaginable."
Stephen later showed the disturbing video to his family who were so outraged they posted it on YouTube and on the school's public Facebook page.
The school's CEO responded saying the incident was being investigated.
John Heiderscheidt, the district's coordinator of safety and security, said the school was taking the matter very seriously.
"We've reviewed the posting on Facebook and are examining any evidence or statements regarding the incident and anybody who might be involved," he said.
It is understood the teacher has been suspended while the incident is investigated.
News break – February 16
