WOODBURY, MN – Remember when actors stuck to acting instead of preaching politics, comedians told jokes without being crude, and teachers focused on teaching instead of ranting and raving? It seems those days are behind us. At Woodbury High School, a Minnesota substitute teacher crossed every line imaginable—reenacting George Floyd’s murder with a student and leaving the entire community outraged.
Teacher Banned After “Racially Harmful” Actions
A substitute teacher at Woodbury High School has been permanently banned from campus after engaging in behavior described as “racially harmful” by the administration. According to school officials, the teacher made multiple offensive comments and gestures across four separate English classes.
One of the most alarming incidents involved the teacher forcing a student to the ground and reenacting the restraint used during George Floyd’s murder.
Principal Sarah Sorenson-Wagner swiftly responded, barring the teacher from the school on Monday as soon as the incident came to light. In an email to parents, Sorenson-Wagner acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed deep regret.
A Reenactment That Crossed the Line
The reenactment, which involved placing a student on the ground to mimic police actions during George Floyd’s death, has struck a nerve in the community, reopening old wounds tied to the tragic 2020 event. The act was one of several troubling incidents during the substitute’s time at the school, with students reporting an unsettling series of behaviors.
In addition to the reenactment, the teacher’s conduct included inappropriate remarks about law enforcement, racially offensive comments, and sexist jokes.
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Bizarre Classroom Behavior Raises Red Flags
Students detailed several disturbing interactions with the teacher across multiple classes, including:
- Claiming police brutality isn’t real and glorifying his personal gun collection.
- Sharing graphic stories about dead bodies and sexual assault cases he claimed to have investigated.
- Bragging that police “would make the best criminals” because they “know how to get away with stuff.”
- Falsely claiming to be a former police officer, despite having no law enforcement affiliation in Minnesota.
- Repeatedly invading students’ personal space, mimicking a gun gesture, and fake-punching students in close proximity.
- Twisting a student’s arm behind their back to demonstrate pressure points.
The teacher also boasted about receiving an “A” on a paper about how to get away with murder, further troubling students and staff alike.
Investigations Underway to Prevent Future Incidents
Woodbury High School reported the incident to the Minnesota Department of Education and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to ensure thorough investigation and accountability. The school is also working closely with the Woodbury Police Department to determine the full extent of the teacher’s misconduct.
Police confirmed they are investigating the matter and are “disturbed” by what took place. They also confirmed that the individual has no affiliation with their department.
Ensuring Accountability and Student Safety Moving Forward
In response to the incident, Woodbury High School has partnered with Teachers on Call, the district’s substitute staffing provider, to remove the individual from their list permanently.
The school has committed to supporting students as they process the incident and heal from the emotional harm caused. Spaces will be available for students to have open conversations about the experience.
A Community Demands Answers and Healing
As the investigation continues, the incident has left many parents and community members wondering how such a person made it into the classroom in the first place. With students and staff shaken, the district is under pressure to ensure that future substitute teachers are thoroughly vetted.
This shocking episode at Woodbury High serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in education—because when teachers stop teaching and start pushing personal agendas, it’s the students and their families who pay the price.
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