Natally Garcia, a substitute teacher in Texas has been fired after she allegedly encouraged middle school students to engage in a classroom brawl with her now viral on Instagram
The incident took place at Kimbrough Middle School in Mesquite on April 12, and was partially captured on video by a student’s phone. The video showed desks arranged into a circle, creating a “fight ring” where pairs of students fought while Natally Garcia, the 24-year-old substitute teacher, encouraged them.
Who is Natally Garcia Kimbrough Middle School Texas teacher fired for making students fight in classroom as pictures go viral on Instagram
According to reports, Garcia even instructed a student to monitor the classroom door during the fights and said she did not want the fight to be recorded. The incident has led to a criminal investigation by the police, and Garcia has been fired by the Mesquite Independent School District.
“Our investigation revealed that this substitute teacher encouraged students to fight each other during class, outlined rules for the students to follow, and even instructed a student to monitor the classroom door while the fights took place,” said a statement from the school district. “Her actions are appalling and intolerable.”
Who is Natally Garcia? The Texan teacher who turned her classroom into a boxing ring asking students to fight one another.
Who is Natally Garcia? The Texan teacher who turned her classroom into a boxing ring asking students to fight one another. pic.twitter.com/G8ML2nAFAd— Archornews.com (@RobertAkumbobe) April 15, 2023
Investigation in the Natally Garcia case underway following brawl
Speaking to NBC affiliate NBCDFW, Beatriz Martinez, whose daughter filmed the fight, said, “I was devastated. I was like, I couldn’t watch the full video. Had to stop it multiple times because I didn’t think it was real. I was like, this must be a prank. This is not real.” She added that some students left the classroom bloodied, but it remains unclear whether they suffered any serious injuries.
The Mesquite Police Department confirmed that they are aware of the Natally Garcia incident and that it is under investigation. “At this time no arrest has been made, but the case is still actively being investigated,” said a spokesperson.
The school district also confirmed that Garcia is not eligible for rehire in any capacity. “Her actions are appalling and intolerable,” the district’s statement continued.
This disturbing incident highlights the need for schools to be vigilant in their hiring of teachers and substitutes and to ensure that all staff members are held to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.