WOODBURY, Minn. — Law enforcement and district officials are investigating an alleged incident involving a substitute teacher -- who also is a police officer in Prescott, Wisc. -- who was accused of reenacting the police actions that led to the murder of George Floyd inside a Woodbury High School classroom.
The incident was detailed in a letter to families sent Tuesday by Woodbury H.S. principal Sarah Sorenson-Wagner describing "inappropriate and racially harmful behavior involving a substitute teacher." Students told Woodbury staff that the teacher, contracted through Bloomington-based Teachers On Call, reportedly told students he thought they'd like to hear about his life as a police officer.
The teacher was accused of the following during the course of four English class periods:
- Put a student on the ground in front of the class as part of a reenactment of the police actions that resulted in the murder of George Floyd.
- Twisted a student’s arm behind the student’s back and showed pressure points on the chin and face.
- Spoke about a bar fight and fake punched a student with his fist “really close” to the student’s face.
- “Invaded students' space” and mimicked holding up a gun and pointing it at students.
- Repeatedly made racially harmful comments.
- Told sexist jokes.
- Described in disturbing detail dead bodies he had seen, and shared explicit details about two sexual assault cases he investigated.
- Stated that “cops would be the best criminals” and that “they know how to get away with stuff,” adding he once got an “A” on a paper about how to get away with murder.
- Told students that “police brutality isn’t real.”
Sorenson-Wagner specifically acknowledged the racial harm that occurred when the substitute teacher reenacted the restraint and conduct that resulted in Floyd's murder. She also thanked students for coming forward and sharing what they saw.
"This reported behavior is reprehensible. I am embarrassed, and I am sorry this happened to our students," Sorenson-Wagner wrote in the letter to Woodbury families. "We will take as much time as students need to listen and create open space for courageous conversations that lead to healing, action and education. The reported actions are not, and will not, be tolerated at Woodbury High School or in South Washington County Schools."
The principal said the substitute was immediately trespassed from Woodbury High School, and will not be allowed back on district property. Staff members are also collaborating with Woodbury police to investigate the incident and determine if charges can be filed. A full report has also been forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Education's licensing department.
Teachers On Call responded to an inquiry from KARE 11, saying the substitute teacher is no longer an employee, emphasizing the company's educators are required to undergo a rigorous screening process and pass thorough background checks. The company says the substitute involved in the allegations passed all background screenings before being placed on assignment.
"Teachers on Call is deeply concerned about the reported misconduct of a former employee on assignment at Woodbury High School. The actions of this individual were unacceptable, and the substitute teacher is no longer an employee of Teachers on Call," read a statement sent to KARE 11. "We recognize the significant public trust placed in us to ensure our substitute educators maintain a safe learning environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violent, aggressive, or harmful behavior."
Chief Eric Michaels of the Prescott Police Department said in a statement that he placed the officer on administrative leave while the incident is investigated.
"The City of Prescott and the Prescott Police Department find the current allegations, if true, made against (the substitute teacher) to be very disturbing, reprehensible, and we in no way condone his actions. Our deepest sympathies go out to the South Washington School District, staff and students," Chief Michaels wrote.
The man is a patrol officer who has been employed by the city of Prescott for two years, Michaels said.
Woodbury police also confirmed the alleged incidents that took place at the high school are under investigation. "The safety of the students, teachers, staff and our community is our top priority," the department said in a released statement. "We will investigate this incident to the fullest extent, while showing compassion to the students impacted."
Administrators at Woodbury High School followed up with listening sessions in all four English classes impacted, giving students "space to process what happened." Principal Sorenson-Wagner promised additional opportunities next week to meet with school staff to talk through what happened and take steps toward repairing the harm done.