Physical Altercation Between Student and Teacher Sparks Concern at Artemisa High School

A physical confrontation between a student and her teacher at José Licourt Domínguez High School in San Cristóbal, Artemisa, has stirred concern among parents and students. A video capturing the incident has been circulating on social media, showing the intense situation within the school premises.

Journalist Mario J. Pentón reported that the video was shared by concerned parents and students and depicted the teacher entangled in a physical dispute with a student. Although the footage contains sensitive material and will not be released publicly, Pentón confirmed that the incident took place at the San Cristóbal high school.

Following the altercation, the student's parents convened with the school's administration. However, despite the incident, the student's father stated that there would be no disciplinary action taken against the teacher. "The teacher is excellent and doesn't deserve to be expelled. I'm the girl's father, and I believe this should not have happened," he commented anonymously in a brief phone call with the journalist.

Pentón's report sparked numerous responses on Facebook, with many users agreeing that the incident "should not have occurred" but commending the father's acknowledgment of the teacher's humanity. One comment highlighted the frequent disrespect some students show towards teachers, sometimes even leading to violence. It emphasized that while the incident is unjustifiable, the broader societal issues in Cuba often spill over into classrooms without adequate support or protection for teachers.

Another user pointed out that such incidents "sadly occur in our educational institutions," calling for a stronger focus on instilling values, ethics, and civic education, alongside protecting both students and educators. The comment also noted that responsibility doesn't always lie with the teacher, as some student behavior stems from issues at home. It suggested that temporary or permanent separation of students should be considered when necessary.

Addressing School Violence in Cuba

The incident at San Cristóbal's high school adds to a series of recent reports of school violence in Cuba. In September, a fight between two students at "Wenceslao Rivero" Junior High in Las Tunas left one student with facial injuries caused by a pencil, as confirmed by local authorities.

This altercation occurred inside the classroom shortly before the end of the school day when one student attacked his peer, resulting in facial scratches. Eulicer Escalona Escalona, the municipal director of education, reported that the injured student received medical attention at "Piti Fajardo" clinic, confirming no severe physical harm.

The municipal education department stated that "analyses" were conducted with the involved students and their families, and disciplinary and administrative measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents, though specifics were not disclosed.

Both the student altercation in Las Tunas and the teacher-student fight at José Licourt Domínguez High School highlight growing concerns among parents and the school community about rising tensions and violence in classrooms. These incidents reopen discussions on the role of families, institutional support for teachers, and the need for clear protocols to protect all parties within Cuba's educational system.