A substitute teacher at Woodbury High School was removed on Monday after reportedly "reenacting the prone restraint that led to George Floyd's murder." This incident has resulted in his dismissal by the school district's contracted staffing agency, Teachers on Call, and administrative leave from his job as a police officer in Prescott, Wisconsin. Prescott Police Chief Eric Michaels identified the teacher as Steve Williams, who has served with the department for two years. Michaels expressed disapproval, stating, "The allegations against Mr. Williams, if true, are very disturbing, reprehensible, and we in no way condone his actions."
Woodbury High Principal Sarah Sorenson-Wagner, visibly shaken, commented, "I feel like my job is to make sure students know that they are safe and loved, and that didn't happen on Monday." She reported that 90 students across four classes were affected by Williams' conduct, including "racist remarks, sexist jokes, and making students uncomfortable by mimicking actions like holding up a gun and pointing it at students." One incident culminated in Williams allegedly forcing a student to the ground and simulating the restraint used on Floyd, prompting Sorenson-Wagner to intervene immediately.
Following this event, Sorenson-Wagner has been proactive, holding parent meetings and making herself available to support affected families. "I'm a mom, and I just have a mom heart," she shared, empathetic to parents navigating this distressing experience with their children. Additional meetings are scheduled for the following days to address concerns.
A district spokesperson confirmed that Williams had been assigned to cover eight classes since March, with no previous reports of misconduct until this incident. Kelly Education, the agency behind Teachers on Call, stressed that Williams passed all standard background checks, which included thorough local, state, and national screenings. The agency affirmed, "We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violent, aggressive, or harmful behavior," confirming Williams' termination.
Woodbury police are actively investigating the case in collaboration with district authorities to consider potential criminal charges.
Link: KSTP
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