LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Families protested outside Marion C. Moore School hours after video surfaced of a student and teacher fighting inside the building.
Jefferson County Public Schools spokesperson Renee Murphy said "some kind of physical altercation" took place between a student and teacher in the the hallway of the school. Video of the altercation was shared on social media.
Murphy said the teacher, who was not named, will not be in the classroom in the coming days as officials investigate the incident.
As for the student, it hasn't yet been confirmed what punishment -- if any -- he's facing.
"This was a kid," said Brittany Watkins, who has nieces and nephews at Moore High School. "You can’t compare kids and adults. It shouldn't have happened. That was way too much."
Dozens -- many frustrated moms and students -- arrived at the school after-hours to protest the fight, holding signs that say, "Pray for our kids," "Black kids matter," and "Keep our kids safe." While they left later in the afternoon, they said they would return to Moore and the VanHoose Education Center before school starts Tuesday.
Punches were thrown. Hair was pulled. Students were emotional trying to stop it.
“I don’t wanna see that in person because it will actually traumatize me for the rest of my life," said young student Gabrielle Taylor.
Parents say it’s been a sad day for Moore High School. Some speaking from the perspective as an alumna.
"Yeah it wasn’t perfect, sure there were fights. Kids fight, kids against each other. [But] I’ve never seen what I saw with an adult and a child -- what happened," Watkins said.
School board’s Corrie Shull, overseeing District 6, receiving several links throughout the day.
“Following that initial text message, I received several calls," Shull said.
It was one of many angles posted to social media, showing what JCPS spokesperson Renee Murphy called a physical altercation between student & teacher late Monday morning.
While their names, what led to this, or who laid hands first haven’t been confirmed, the visuals already speaking volumes for many -- calling it horrifying.
“It’s a little outrageous. I feel like both parties need to be held accountable, and the school needs to be held accountable," said Lakeesha Thomas, Moore HS mother.
"He’s grabbing the kids hair. That’s not defense, that was an attack," Watkins said. "This is going to be her home for Middle and High. She’s going to be here next, my middle child, something has to change.”
Meanwhile, Shull says the way this played out raises red flags.
“We expect our professionals at JCPS to deescalate situations such as these," Shull said.
Protesters tell WHAS11 they’re not done, and they'll be making their voices heard again on Tuesday morning.
"If you don’t bring light to those wrong situations, they’re going to continue happening," said Breanne Watkins, a Louisville Central High student.
Parents will be gathering at two spots Tuesday morning before school starts: VanHoose Education Center & Moore High School. Both around 7 a.m.
We asked LMPD if it's currently involved in this case. For now, it says it hasn't been notified about it.
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