A Tense Classroom Moment Escalates Quickly (Image Credits: Cwbchicago.com)
Chicago – A veteran Chicago Public Schools teacher faced felony charges after allegedly pushing a 5-year-old boy to the floor, kicking him repeatedly and restraining him during a confrontation in a Bronzeville elementary school classroom.[1]
A Tense Classroom Moment Escalates Quickly
A teaching assistant walked into the room at Carter G. Woodson Elementary School on February 6 around 10:30 a.m. She observed the boy quietly coloring at his desk while classmates played nearby. The teacher, Laundon Hubbert, 52, rolled her chair over, snatched his paper, crumpled it and shoved it along with his crayons into a pouch on his chair.
The child pushed back against her hands. Hubbert responded by shoving him out of the seat onto the floor. As the assistant knelt to comfort him, Hubbert pushed the boy a second time. His head struck the assistant’s chair. Hubbert remarked, “You want to push chairs. Now you don’t have a chair.”[1]
Alleged Kicks and Restraint Draw Scrutiny
While on the ground, the boy kicked at Hubbert’s shoe. She threatened retaliation before grabbing his hoodie collar, yanking it off and placing it out of reach on a table. The assistant then witnessed Hubbert kick the child several times, including once to the chest. The boy cried and kicked back in response.
Another staff member began recording video at that point, capturing part of the restraint as Hubbert held the boy’s shirt collar with him positioned between her legs. The first assistant stepped away briefly to manage other students. She later noticed a scratch on the boy’s face about an hour afterward. Prosecutors highlighted these actions in court filings.[1]
Court Appearance and Charge Details
Authorities charged Hubbert with aggravated battery to a child under 13 causing great bodily harm. The case stemmed from a complaint the teaching assistant filed with school officials at the end of the day. Chicago Public Schools notified law enforcement several days later.
Judge James Costello presided over Hubbert’s initial court hearing. Prosecutors sought pretrial detention, but the judge denied the request. Hubbert’s arrest report listed her profession as teacher at the school located at 4414 South Evans Avenue.[1]
School District Responds to Allegations
Woodson Principal T.N. Littlejohn sent a letter to parents informing them of the matter. The message emphasized child safety as the top priority and confirmed an investigation by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX. School officials removed Hubbert pending the outcome.
A CPS spokesperson declined specific comment due to ongoing litigation. The letter noted no sexual misconduct and that the affected family received support. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services also launched a probe. Parents could contact the principal or OSP hotline for concerns.[1]
- Staff member removed from school during investigation.
- Family notified and offered supports.
- OSP to determine if return is appropriate.
- Contact options provided for questions.
Patterns Emerge in Recent CPS Cases
This incident marked the second such charge against a CPS employee in recent weeks. Last month, Tamika Odeh, 44, faced similar aggravated battery charges for choking and throwing an 8-year-old boy at Parker Elementary School on November 3. That event injured the child’s neck.
Both cases involved young students and allegations of physical force in classrooms. Authorities continue to investigate the Woodson matter as video evidence and witness statements shape the proceedings. The district reiterated its commitment to safe learning environments.[1]
Key Takeaways:
- Incident involved pushes, kicks and restraint of a 5-year-old boy.
- Partial video and eyewitness accounts support charges.
- CPS removed the teacher and initiated probes.
These events underscore ongoing challenges in maintaining student safety amid disciplinary incidents. Schools must balance classroom management with protection protocols. What steps should districts take next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
