YPSILANTI, Mich. – A coach at Ypsilanti Middle School has been fired after he was seen on video attacking a student from behind.
The school district has decided to take action, and the student’s family has lawyered up, as the coach could be facing criminal charges.
The incident occurred last week when the coach was seen using a t-shirt to choke the student.
Many people wonder why an adult would put their hands on a child like that.
The higher-ups at Ypsilanti Community Schools wondered the same thing, so they fired the coach, Josh Smith.
“The actions of the employee are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our district. Effective immediately, the employee is no longer working at the school district and is not permitted to enter school property or attend school activities. We will continue to implement and enforce policies that protect our students and ensure their well-being.”
Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross
Ypsilanti Prosecutor Eli Savit has authorized one count of assault to do great bodily harm by strangulation and one count of assault and battery.
The coach has yet to be arrested.
“While Ypsilanti Middle School is attempting to distance itself from this incident by pointing all the blame on Mr. Smith, what is particularly troubling is the fact that there was another school administrator that witnessed the assault and failed to intervene.
“Additionally, through our preliminary investigation, we believe there is evidence that the school knew or should have known that Mr. Smith was overly aggressive and verbally abusive to other students and student-athletes. We plan to hold Mr. Smith and the school district accountable to the full extent of the law.”
Raquel Munoz of Vahdat Weisman Law
