A deeply disturbing video has resurfaced online, showing a Mississippi teacher dragging a special-needs student by the hair across a gym floor during a physical education class at Greenville High School.
The incident reportedly took place in 2016 and involved teacher Linda Winters-Johnson, who was later charged with misdemeanor abuse of a vulnerable person. The footage shows the teacher pulling the student by the hair as other students watch in shock — a moment that sparked nationwide outrage when it first went public.
According to official reports, Winters-Johnson was accused of using excessive and inappropriate force against the student, whose name was not released due to privacy laws. Following the investigation, she pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge.
The Mississippi Department of Education later suspended her teaching license for 12 years, citing violations of professional conduct and endangerment of a vulnerable child. Despite the suspension, no clear record of conviction has been found in public court databases or official documents.
Parents and disability rights advocates called the video “heartbreaking” and “unacceptable”, demanding stronger protections for children with special needs in public schools.
“This video shows exactly why teachers need better training and accountability,” said one advocate for special education rights. “Every child deserves to be safe in the classroom — especially those who are most vulnerable.”
The resurfaced footage has reignited debate online about how schools handle incidents of abuse, and whether educators accused of misconduct should ever be allowed to return to teaching positions.
Authorities have not commented on whether Winters-Johnson is currently employed in any educational role. The viral spread of the video continues to draw attention to student safety, teacher accountability, and the need for reform in school disciplinary practices.