HOUSTON – HISD and HISD police are investigating an altercation that took place between a student and a teacher at Sam Houston High School.
A video of the incident from another student's cellphone shows the student involved apparently spitting at his teacher in front of a classroom full of students. It's not clear what sparked the dispute.
In the video, the student appears to be cornering the teacher as he spits in his face and yells profanity. The video then shows the teacher taking a swing at the boy, who turns and walks back towards him.
"You're spitting in my face," the teacher says in the video.
The student responded by yelling more profanity and walking away.
"Spitting is nasty to do to somebody," said Brianna West, a student at Sam Houston High School. "They should like go home for some days."
HISD will not say whether or not the student has been suspended from school, but said that "appropriate disciplinary action" was taken.
"HISD is investigating an altercation involving a teacher and student that took place Thursday morning at Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center." said HISD in a statement released to Local 2. "School administrators immediately intervened. HISD Police was notified, and an investigation is underway. The teacher has been temporarily re-assigned to non-classroom duties pending the outcome of the investigation."
Students and teachers at Sam Houston told Local 2 that students frequently disrespect teachers at school.
"Something always happens at this school so it doesn't surprise me at all," said Mariah Mathis.
HISD and HISD police are investigating the altercation and video.
It was posted by another student on Instagram, garnering more than 200 likes.