Rob Gooding, a substitute teacher at Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, has voiced his frustration to the media after he was allegedly assaulted by a student and his pleas for action were disregarded. Gooding, who had previously retired from full-time teaching, was substituting for a business class on February 1 when he claims he was attacked by a large student.
According to Gooding, the student, who he described as a “man child” weighing approximately 280 pounds and standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, approached him during class. The student reportedly said, “I’ve had it,” before striking Gooding with a Chromebook, causing him to fall. The student then allegedly hit Gooding while he was down.
Following the incident, Gooding was taken to a hospital by ambulance. He expressed his desire to press charges against the student to a school police officer. However, he was informed that the district had instructed the officer not to arrest or handcuff the student, a directive that left Gooding in disbelief.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the incident is under investigation. However, Gooding is frustrated with the lack of progress and action taken so far. Perry Township Schools, in a statement to WISH-TV, expressed their concern about the allegations involving a Kelly Services employee and a student at Perry Meridian High School. They confirmed that a police report was forwarded to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
The school district’s statement also noted that the prosecutor’s office would make a decision regarding criminal charges. However, due to confidentiality reasons, the district could not comment on any disciplinary action taken against the student. The district did emphasize its zero-tolerance policy for violence.
Despite the school district’s statement, Gooding remains dissatisfied with the lack of communication about the case and continues to seek legal action against the student. He believes that the student should be held accountable for his actions. The incident brings to mind a similar case in Texas where an elderly teacher, Fred Jimenez, lost his life after an altercation with a student at San Antonio High School.