North Carolina high schooler charged with 3 misdemeanors after repeatedly slapping teacher

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (CITC) — A North Carolina high school student is facing three misdemeanor charges after a video of him repeatedly slapping a teacher went viral online.

The video shared to social media this week shows the student, who attends Parkland High School in Winston-Salem, engaged in a heated conversation with a teacher in a classroom. The student can be seen striking the teacher once before stepping back to gasps from classmates.

You think that affected me anyway?" the teacher asked.

Want me to hit you again?" the student responded.

I don't want it," the teacher answered.

The student slapped the teacher a second time moments later. It is not immediately clear what prompted the tense interaction.

** WARNING: The video below contains strong language and graphic imagery. **

The student was arrested Tuesday and charged with three misdemeanors for assault and communicating threats, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. called the incident "deplorable and outrageous" for the community.

"All of us should be outraged when those who educate us can be assaulted," Kimbrough Jr. said. "We should hold those who teach and educate our children to the highest regard."

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Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools parents told WXLV News they are now concerned for their children's safety. Ashley Wallace asserted the student should not be allowed back on school property.

"He's obviously a danger," Wallace said.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Tricia McManus seemingly agrees, as she told WXLV she intends to recommend the incident be handled as a "level six" offense. Matters deemed a "level six" offense can result in expulsion, according to the school district's code of conduct.

A district hearing will be held at a later date to determine the level of discipline the student will receive.

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