A 27-year-old Chinese American high school teacher in Brooklyn, New York, was arrested on Tuesday (October 29) for grabbing a student by the neck after the student was late and insisted on entering the classroom. The teacher has since been removed from the school.
According to multiple media reports, Gary Zeng is facing charges of second-degree strangulation, third-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. on October 29. As reported by the New York Daily News, a 15-year-old student told authorities that he and some classmates arrived late to class and ignored Zeng’s requests for them to leave the room. Zeng, who grabbed the student by the neck, later admitted that he lost his temper and should not have acted in that manner.
Zeng was arrested at the High School of Sports Management in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, where the injured student was taken to Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital for treatment.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education, Jenna Lyle, stated, “The teacher’s actions are unacceptable, and nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of the students.”
Lyle further mentioned that Zeng has been removed from the school following his arrest and could face suspension if the charges are proven.
The news of a teacher physically assaulting a student has sparked concern among parents and educators in the community, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful school environment for all students.