Investigation launched after video surfaces of student fighting teacher in Kentucky

KENTUCKY — An investigation is underway after video emerged of a student fighting a teacher in a Kentucky school.

The fight happened at Marion C. Moore High School in Louisville over alleged racist comments, according to reports.

The video, which does not show the beginning of the confrontation, shows the student throw punches at the teacher as the teacher pins him down on the ground.

Video also shows the teacher, identified by WDRB as William Bennett, attempt to knee the student in the face before hoisting him by the hair.

16-year-old Jamir Strane says he was the student involved in the fight, WDRB reported.

Strane says he initiated the fight following a comment made by the chemistry teacher that set him off.

He says the teacher criticized his bandana-style neck gaiter, which he was using as a face mask to protect himself during the COVD-19 pandemic.

“He said, ‘You’re just going to be another Black boy shot,'” Strane said.

The fight sparked protests Monday outside of the school and caused the district to respond, the report read.

Renee Murphy, a spokesperson for Jefferson County Public Schools, said the teacher has been removed from the classroom while the district investigates the fight.