Screenshot of video showing the female monitor on the far right striking a male student with what appears to be a plastic softball bat.
In a rapidly spreading video, a monitor at the Eulalie Rivera Pre-K to 8 School in St. Croix is seen striking a student, sparking widespread outrage and concern. The footage, capturing what many are calling a severe assault on the student, has quickly gained viral status since its release on Monday.
In one video, the female monitor is seen wielding what appears to be a plastic softball bat, which she uses to strike the student at least twice, while asking the male student to repeat what he had earlier stated. "Talk it now!" the monitor yells. Another clip shows the same monitor loudly admonishing the student, warning against provocation. "All you really believe people does be playing with all you. All that mouth you just had out there, give me it now, nuh. Because you believe people fraid you. Ain't nobody f%#!ing fraid you!"
She proceeds to tell the boy that she only wants him to "mumble" something. "Talk! Say something, nuh!" the female monitor yelled. During this time, another monitor, a male, stood by as an observer to the unfolding incident.
The V.I. Dept. of Education has said it is investigating the incident, but the department did not divulge information that it has gathered thus far, including what enraged the monitor to act in such a manner. In one of the two videos reviewed by the Consortium, the monitor is heard saying, "come outside and threaten me again," suggesting that the student may have made a threat against her.
At the end of one of the two videos, the monitor is heard saying she would send "my partner them" in the community the boy resides "to f%#! you up!"
"Acknowledging the circulation of a video depicting the incident that transpired earlier today, St. Croix District Superintendent Ericilda Herman, Ed. D. wants to assure the public that the department is fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation," the department said in a statement, adding that "the paramount concern is the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff."
Education officials said they will work "to gather accurate information and implement all necessary protocols," and that the department remains "steadfast in its commitment to transparency and ensuring a resolution to the matter at hand."
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