Teen Says Teacher Threw Him to the Floor

March 8, 2008
By NATALIA MIELCZAREK
Staff Writer
The Tennessean.com

The parents of a 14-year-old boy say he sustained face injuries, including carpet burns and swelling, after his teacher threw him to the floor Wednesday morning.

Donovan Marshall has attended Genesis Academy in Nashville since July, said his mother, Angelique Harris. The 24-year-old private school works with students who have emotional, mental and behavioral issues.

The school's executive direc tor, Terry Adams, declined to comment on the particulars of the case, citing privacy laws. He said the school investigates all incidents.

"I don't think anything was done deliberately, and I certainly think that the employee in this position feels incredible remorse (and) is very dedicated to kids," Adams said. "We're taking very strict disciplinary actions. We don't take it lightly whenever there's a parent complaint."

Adams declined to elaborate on what disciplinary actions have been taken toward the teacher, known only as "Mr. Bolton" because of privacy laws. Harris did not know the teacher's first name.

Adams confirmed Bolton is still employed at the school, and said school officials will meet with the family Monday.

Police report filed

Donovan has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder, his mother said. Bolton told the boy Wednesday morning to go to seclusion because he paced, which is a way for him to relieve stress, Harris said. Bolton allegedly threw him to the floor when he wouldn't go.

"I don't know if Donovan pulled away from him, but he didn't put up a fight," Harris said. "Donovan doesn't lie; if he did something wrong he would have said it. … I want that teacher to not be able to work with kids."

Harris filed a police report after her son got home. Metro police's youth services division is investigating the case, said Kristin Mumford, police spokeswoman. Investigators will interview Bolton at the school. He hasn't been charged with any crime, she said.