Winston-Salem State University Responds To Viral Video Of Student Arrested In Classroom [Video]

Winston-Salem State University has issued a statement in response to a video showing police officers arresting a student in a classroom. 

According to the statement, a nearby employee called law enforcement over a “significant commotion” was overheard in Carolina Hall on Wednesday. The disagreement between the professor and the 20-year-old student allegedly began over an assignment. 

The video, which does not show details leading up to the arrest, shows officers handcuffing a female student in a classroom full of students. Some of the other students can be seen filming.

The student can repeatedly be heard screaming, “I hate you,” to the professor.

 “You’re the worst teacher ever,” she continues. “You get me taken out in handcuffs because I won’t apologize? Because I won’t apologize, you started yelling at me. You tried to embarrass me about my paper.”

It’s unclear what apology the student was referring to, but a student who witnessed the incident told WXII12 that the argument started over a change the teacher wanted the student to make to a paper. The student allegedly refused.

After being placed in handcuffs, she is escorted out of the classroom. Police documents show she was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and is set to appear in court on Jan. 25.

The school’s Chancellor, Elwood L. Robinson, addressed the incident in a statement posted to WSSU’s website. 

“We understand that the weaponization of police is a prevalent problem in our community; however, that is not what happened in this incident,” Robinson wrote. “We strive for a safe, inclusive, thriving, and intellectual community where all our faculty, staff, and students feel respected and supported. To that end, we will take swift and appropriate measures against any situation that contradicts those ideals.”  

“We know this situation has caused a great deal of trauma to those involved and our campus community at large, but please know that every available resource is being extended to bring a resolution.”

The school says that campus police followed campus, police, and public safety protocols. The incident is still under investigation.  

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— WSSU (@WSSURAMS) December 14, 2022