HOUSTON – A Houston Independent School District teacher is under investigation after a student claimed the teacher assaulted him and offered students extra credit if they attended anti-Donald Trump rallies during the presidential campaign.
The incident happened last Wednesday at Sterling High School. The district would only say it has received reports of possible mistreatment of a student by a teacher at the school.
Christian McKneely and his family held a news conference Monday outside the school along with community activist Quanell X.
McKneely said during some horse play in class he told another student, "That's gay," then the teacher reacted by accusing him of being homophobic.
He said the teacher punched him in the chest when he was on his cell phone trying to explain to his father what happened.
McKneely also alleges the teacher offered students school credit for demonstrating against Donald Trump during the presidential campaign.
"She gave extra credit for anyone who showed up for an anti-Trump rally being held downtown. I didn’t go so I didn’t get extra credit. I don’t know if anybody got it, but that’s what she proposed for extra credit," McKneely said.
HISD released a statement that read in part, "We are continuing to work with the teacher and entire staff to ensure students are safe and teaching and learning continue uninterrupted. The safety of our students is always our absolute top priority."