Should Buffalo teachers step in to stop the fights?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Board of Education’s vice president for student success joined us on News 4 Wednesday afternoon to discuss teacher intervention in student fights.

Larry Scott says Buffalo Public Schools has made efforts to stop violence, including increased security in the district’s elementary buildings and more mental health resources.

During the News 4 discussion, Scott spoke about student and teacher safety, and the debate over whether or not teachers should intervene in fights.

District board president Sharon Belton-Cottman says teachers should be forced to get physically involved to break up a fight. Faced with teachers’ reluctance, Scott emphasized that there is no requirement for teachers to be physically involved.

In the video above, Scott discusses safety issues and methods for de-escalating situations.