Local

Charlotte teacher accused of choking, harassing 5-year-old Muslim student

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Muslim civil rights group is calling for the immediate firing of a Charlotte teacher who is accused of abusing a 5-year-old student because he is Muslim.

In a three page complaint submitted to the State Board of Education and the Charlotte Mecklenburg school board, the David Cox Road Elementary teacher reportedly forced the child to carry a heavy backpack with a large textbook and headphones, causing him significant back pain.

The complaint claims the teacher also called the child “bad Muslim boy” on multiple occasions, and allowed his classmates to tease and mock him.

On November 16, the complaint alleges the abuse turned physical when the teacher grabbed the kindergarten student by the neck and began choking him.

"Another teacher then separated the two and began consoling the student, who was crying and extremely shaken," the complaint said.

In a statement, Charlotte Mecklenburg School officials said the district is "committed to the safety and well-being of all students," and that allegations are currently under investigation.

The attorney for the 5-year-old student said he hasn't returned to school since the alleged choking incident.