A video capturing an American school resource officer physically restraining a student is sparking widespread debate online. The multiple media outlets reporting the incident alleged that the officer used a chokehold tactic to restrain the male student who sought him out for help.
According to the circulating details, the schoolboy was a victim of bullying. He was allegedly recorded and humiliated by multiple schoolmates in the school’s bathroom, and he went to report the issue. The footage, recorded by a concerned parent, shows the student confronting the officer as a dispute unfolded between them, causing the situation to rapidly escalate.
The student seemingly challenges the officer when he steps closer, which is when the officer grabs the student by the neck and forcefully sits him down. The viral video has been garnering thousands of mixed opinions. Some social media users argue that the student’s behaviour provoked the officer, while others insist that no adult in a school setting should ever lay hands on a child.
Some expressed that the officer should have handled the situation differently since the student was seemingly emotionally distressed from being bullied. Instagram user @bigrico37, who identifies as a father, shared: “As a father, I wouldn’t want anyone putting their hands on my son, but at the same time, my son knows better than to approach an adult like that. Do your job at home so it doesn’t have to be done for you when you’re not around.”
Another user, @thanemesis, countered: “The kid was not being tough. He was just bullied and went to the office for help. Instead of paying attention to the scenario, [the officer] made the situation into something it wasn’t.”
Several commenters even applauded the officer’s actions, calling it “old-school discipline”, while others condemned the language used, noting that the officer allegedly used profanity and racial slurs during the encounter.
Local school officials have yet to release an official statement, and it remains unclear whether the officer will face disciplinary action.
