A Lanphier High School teacher is on paid leave after an altercation with a student.
Adrian Akers was arrested Monday on charges of aggravated battery.
He claims a 15-year-old student punched him multiple times before he picked the boy up and held him down until police arrived.
The 44-year-old is a special education teacher, according to District 186's website.
Teachers are allowed to defend themselves against attacks from students.
That's according to District 186's handbook.
The district's student handbook states that in situations like these, both students and staff have rights.
District 186 says their behavioral expectations, de-escalation techniques, and rights and responsibilities are outlined in their student handbook.
The handbook states teachers have the right to protect themselves, another teacher, or a student from physical assault or injury.
A teacher will have the school board’s help in any assault case while the teacher is doing their job.
Students have the right to a hearing to defend themselves and due process in disciplinary actions.
District 186 responded in a statement saying in part:
“Springfield Public Schools District 186 behavioral expectations and de-escalation techniques, as well as other rights and responsibilities for teachers and students, are outlined in our Student & Family Handbook. Additionally, in the event of an incident, due process is provided to both students and teachers.”
With Monday's incident at Lanphier High School, officials are still investigating.
The student was taken to the hospital after the altercation for treatment.
Springfield Police are investigating.