The video that quickly went viral shows the substitute teacher exchanging words with the student before grabbing and slamming him on the ground, as other students watched in disbelief.
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The teacher then forces the student out of the classroom.
According to the West Contra Costa School District, the student had made a racial slur prior to the incident.
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"There is no justifying it. I just think he could have taken better precautions like calling the principal or some other authority. It was a bad move. I'll say that," expressed Rogelio Casillas, a student at Richmond High School.
A parent, Irma Beltran found the teacher's actions disturbing.
"I felt angry," she told us.
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The incident has rattled Richmond High. On Tuesday, ABC7 News was given cell phone video of a gathering organized by the Black Student Union. They addressed other students denouncing the use of any racial slurs and also asking the school to ensure everyone's safety.
Those who have been taught by the substitute teacher say he's liked by students.
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"He was a pretty cool guy from when he substituted in my classroom," added Casillas.
"He was a normal teacher. He was just there if we needed him," expressed Fatima Ramos, another student.
The school district fired the teacher and issued this statement: "The student is safe with their family, and our school and district are fully investigating the incident."
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Also investigating the incident is Richmond police. So far, it's not clear if charges will be filed against the teacher.
"We will finish our investigation, conduct our interviews and we will forward the report to the district attorney and they will review the case and make an ultimate filling decision as far as whether this amounts to a felony crime or a misdemeanor crime, and what charges shall be filed if any," revealed Sgt. Donald Patchin.
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