New Jersey Teacher Verbally Abuses Special Needs Student (VIDEO)
A special education teacher in New Jersey unloaded a profanity-filled rant on a special needs student who just did not want to be called “special.”
The teacher was recorded telling the 15-year-old he would “kick his a**.”
The student, Julio Artuz, attends Bankbridge Regional School on Gloucester County. He told others about the abuse, but no one seemed to believe him.
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That is when he decided to take matters into his own hands. Artuz secretly videotaped the teacher and then showed the tape to his parent and school officials.
In the video, the teacher, who remains anonymous, can be seen enticing a reaction from Artuz.
“What’s gonna happen to me? ... I’ll say whatever I want to say. You don’t like it, oh well,” taunted the teacher in the video.
The school board decided to put the teacher on paid administrative leave. Moreover, the board will be meeting Wednesday night to determine what further action should be required, including termination.
NBC 10 in Philadelphia aired the disturbing video, blurred out the teacher's face, and did not name him.
The boy's parents at first could not believe that a teacher at their son’s school could bully anyone. They were shocked, disappointed, and outraged once they saw the video.
“I was appalled by what was going on. I don't appreciate my son being called out at school,” said Julio's father to NBC 10.
In school, all children need compassion and encouragement, not intimidation, the students’ father added.
When asked how he felt after the barrage, Artuz said: “It makes me feel like I'm trash.”
Superintendent Michael Dicken issued a statement: “Our school district takes all bullying, harassment, and intimidation allegations seriously. We do not tolerate it. The safety and well-being of our students is our first and foremost concern.”
Marlene A. McConnell Board of Education president said she has seen the video, but was not willing to comment on it until after the school district investigation.
“You can’t always take what you see at face value,” McConnell said.
