See the Shocking 10-Second Video That Put This High School Teacher Behind Bars
A 63-year-old high school teacher was arrested after a video surfaced that showed her repeatedly hitting a student, calling him an "idiot ass," and then mocking him.
Mary Hastings, a veteran teacher who has instructed at Ozen High School in Texas for the past three years, was charged with misdemeanor assault after the incident, which took place during her Friday morning math class. She was taken to jail before posting bond.
She has also been placed on administrative leave with pay until the school district's investigation is complete. Of her actions, officials at the school released the following statement:
The District is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students. BISD does not condone employees abusing any child and will not tolerate such conduct.
One student, who spoke to local Fox 4 News on the condition of anonymity, wasn't so quick to condemn the teacher, noting that Hastings — who has always been patient up until now — is typically a target of students who throw things at her and curse at her. "You know we only see [a few seconds of video]," the student said. "That's all it is. It's not the whole thing."
If convicted, Hastings could face jail time.