In a startling incident captured on video, a substitute teacher in Las Vegas became involved in a physical altercation with a high school student who allegedly directed a racial slur towards him.
Re’Kwon Smith (aged 27) was caught on camera repeatedly punching a student during the brawl, which took place in the cafeteria of Valley High School, located in east Las Vegas. The incident unfolded on Thursday, following an altercation where the student reportedly used a derogatory racial term towards the teacher.
Smith was employed as a substitute teacher within the Clark County School District since November 2023. He was fulfilling an assignment at Valley High School at the time of the confrontation.
The altercation was documented in videos circulating on social media, and has prompted local law enforcement to take action. Both the student and the teacher were arrested following the incident, with the footage serving as key evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Smith will no longer be able to teach in the district and will be removed from the district’s substitute teaching pool, according to confirmation from local police.
Videos from the incident show the student being knocked to the ground after both sides exchange blows.
Sources told Channel 13 that the student is getting well after the altercation at a nearby hospital. Principal of Valley High School Kimberly Perry-Carter informed parents that although the school was aware of the occurrence, the details were still being confirmed.
She said: “Please know that CCSDPD is investigating the matter. Once we have information to share we will be sure to update our community. Violence in any form is unacceptable and goes against the fundamental principles of education and respect’ CCSD officials said in a statement on Thursday.”
She went on to say: “Any altercation between a teacher and a student is thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
Smith is facing numerous charges currently. This includes battery resulting in serious bodily harm, assaulting a school pupil on school property, threatening to do bodily harm to public school student, and interfering with a student from attending school.
Presently, Smith is detained at the Clark County Detention Center on a $9000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday to address the charges brought against him.
