An off-duty Wisconsin police officer working as a substitute teacher at Woodbury High School in Minnesota is under investigation for allegedly re-enacting the murder of George Floyd, making racially harmful comments, and physically harming a student during classes. The substitute teacher, Steve Williams, was removed from the classroom and barred from district property. He was placed on administrative leave by the Prescott Police Department. The school and district officials expressed embarrassment and apologized to students, promising to create open space for conversations and take necessary actions to address the incidents. The City of Prescott and the Prescott Police Department condemned Williams’ actions. The staffing agency that placed him at the school confirmed that he no longer worked for them. In addition to the re-enactment of George Floyd’s murder, Williams is accused of making racist remarks, sharing explicit information about his work as a police officer, and engaging in concerning behavior such as twisting a student’s arm behind their back and mimicking holding up a gun. The allegations have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Education and the state Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. Woodbury Public Safety is also conducting an investigation in collaboration with the school district. Teachers on Call, the staffing agency, emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for violence and aggression. Woodbury High School serves a diverse student population, with 37% identifying as a race other than white.
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