Larry Brumfield, retired and 73-years -old, was the substitute teacher at DeSoto West Middle School on March 9 when he was attacked. A student began an altercation that resulted in desk chairs being thrown and blood streaming down Brumfield’s face.
NBC DFW held an interview with Brumfield. He immediately said that he did not wish for the public to think negatively about the students involved. Brumfield stated that the student who threw the chair is just a child who needs support.
The student who began the altercation was not a part of the class that he was teaching. The child walked into the room and refused to leave. At first, the assistant principal came to remove the student, but he returned with cuss words and threw a roll of paper towels at Brumfield.
When Brumfield asked why he did that, the student responded with, “Because I felt like it.”
Words were exchanged, and the student threw a chair directly at Brumfield.
“Fortunately, I saw it out of my peripheral vision. It hit my leg and my head. It didn’t hurt as much, but I felt the blood on my face,” Brumfield said. He then threw the chair back at the student.
Students in the classroom took videos and posted them on social media. On Facebook, a student can be heard saying, “He’s bleeding!” and begging for the altercation to stop. Regardless, most of the students were standing, laughing, and cheering on the misbehaved child.
Coach D. Finch, MS. Ed. posted on Twitter, saying, “And this explains why there’s a teacher shortage.” In the attached video, a student can be heard stating, “That [explicit] is not funny.”
Around five students in the room attempted to help Brumfield. Paramedics were called to the school, and Brumfield was treated at the scene.
According to WFAA, DeSoto Independent School District (DeSoto ISD) began spring break early due to the incident. All classes were canceled for March 11 for the teachers to hold a meeting about student discipline.
DeSoto ISD released a statement starting off with, “When matters of concern arise, we value the opportunity to share accurate, timely, and relevant information with you.”
The district strives for the safety of all students and staff and mentioned that all individuals involved would be held accountable. The students who posted on social media will face disciplinary actions, as described in the DeSoto ISD Student Code of Conduct.
Student behavior will be addressed, monitoring will be expanded in the hallways and communal areas within the schools, and guidelines for student discipline will be enhanced, the school said.
DeSoto ISD reminds the public that the behavior seen in the videos does not reflect on most students and staff.
The DeSoto Police Department will now have a larger presence on campus, and they are investigating “all sides of the incident.”
Brumfield stated that when spring break is over, he’d gladly go back if DeSoto ISD allows him to do so. His daughter thinks differently and wants him to stop substituting.
“I came up from the ghettos of Gary, Indiana, Chicago,” Brumfield said. “I’m thinking as an idealist. I have some things up here I could share with people that might help them.”
He feels the need to give back while in the classroom and help children to choose the right path in life. Even though he’s retired, he works as a substitute teacher due to his two grandchildren living with him.