Columbia, S.C. – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman issued the following statement after viewing videos and speaking with local, state, and federal authorities regarding a violent confrontation between a student and school resource officer at Spring Valley High School in Richland School District Two.

"I am greatly concerned by these videos," said Spearman.  "The safety of our students is always our number one priority.  School districts contract with hundreds of dedicated school resource officers who work hard to protect our students across South Carolina.  However, these videos and what they appear to show should concern all of us in public education. While it is vital that students have respect for law enforcement, it is equally important that law enforcement ensure they do not abuse the power and trust school districts instill in them."

"I am pleased that Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has moved quickly to place the officer on unpaid leave and initiate a thorough investigation of the officer involved, by reaching out to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice.  Richland School District Two’s Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm has acted swiftly to ensure that pending the result of the investigation, the officer will not be working within any of the district’s schools.  This matter must be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action taken."

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