A police officer working as a substitute teacher at Woodbury High School in Minnesota has been banned from the school after allegedly reenacting the 2020 murder of George Floyd by placing a student’s head on the hood of a car.
This disturbing event is part of a broader series of actions, including making “racially harmful” and sexist comments to students and recounting graphic stories about dead bodies he had encountered during his police career.
The staffing agency responsible for placing him at the school, Teachers on Call, confirmed on Wednesday that the man, whose identity has not been disclosed, is no longer employed by the agency. Meanwhile, South Washington County Schools officials announced an investigation into the incident.
Substitute teacher’s troubling behaviour in School
The incident occurred on Monday when the man, serving as a substitute English teacher, reportedly told 10th and 12th-grade students in four separate classes that they might be interested in hearing about his life as a police officer. He then allegedly reenacted the prone restraint that led to the murder of George Floyd, a Black man whose death under the knee of former officer Derek Chauvin in 2020 sparked nationwide protests. Floyd’s death, captured on video by a teenage witness, triggered a movement for racial justice and police reform across the U.S.
School response and outrage
In a letter sent to students, families, and staff, Woodbury High principal Sarah Sorenson-Wanger expressed her deep regret and condemnation of the substitute teacher’s actions. “I specifically want to acknowledge the racial harm that occurred when the substitute teacher reenacted the prone restraint that resulted in the murder of George Floyd,” Sorenson-Wanger wrote. “This reported behavior is reprehensible. I am embarrassed, and I am sorry this happened to our students.”
The letter also noted that the substitute had made sexist jokes, claimed that “police brutality isn’t real,” and stated that “cops would be the best criminals” because they know “how to get away with stuff.” His actions have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Education, the state teacher licensing board, and the Woodbury Police Department. According to the letter from the school, he was not a police officer in Minnesota.
Staffing agency responds
Teachers on Call, the staffing agency that placed the substitute teacher, issued a statement condemning his actions. “The actions of this individual were unacceptable, and the substitute teacher is no longer an employee of Teachers on Call,” said spokesperson Danielle Nixon. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violent, aggressive, or harmful behavior.” The company also confirmed that the man had passed comprehensive background checks before being placed at the school but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Police investigation underway
Woodbury Police Chief Jason Posel expressed concern about the incident, stating that his department is “disturbed by the preliminary information” and will thoroughly investigate. A police spokesman later added that it is still unclear which law enforcement agency employs the substitute teacher, but assured that the investigation would be pursued “to the fullest extent.” The case has raised significant alarm among parents, students, and educators, with many calling for accountability and a safe learning environment free from racially and culturally harmful behaviors.