Arkansas Teacher Charged with Assault After Confrontation with Student

Surveillance video captures teacher physically grabbing and pushing student over use of the word 'bruh'

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:57am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled shirt collar, the fabric's texture and folds dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the tense physical altercation between a teacher and student.A tense classroom confrontation over a student's use of the word 'bruh' leads to an assault charge for a West Memphis teacher.West Memphis Today

A teacher at Wonder Junior High School in West Memphis, Arkansas has been charged with aggravated assault after an incident with a student in the classroom. According to the police report, the confrontation began when the student referred to the teacher as 'bruh', prompting the teacher to respond 'I'm not your bruh. I'm your sir.' The teacher then allegedly grabbed the student by the shirt, pushed him against a desk, followed him out of the classroom, and grabbed him by the neck, choking him against a wall.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges teachers can face in maintaining classroom discipline, as well as the need for proper de-escalation training and policies around physical contact between educators and students. It also raises questions about how teachers should respond to perceived disrespect from students and the line between asserting authority and using excessive force.

The details

Surveillance video captured the incident, which occurred on April 15 in a classroom at Wonder Junior High School. According to the police report, the student told the teacher, Tracy Matthews, 'Bruh, I don't have a computer,' to which Matthews replied, 'I'm not your bruh. I'm your sir.' When the student then said 'My bad, lil bruh,' Matthews allegedly grabbed the student by the shirt and pushed him against a desk. The student then walked out of the classroom, and Matthews is accused of following him, grabbing him by the neck, pushing him against a wall, and choking him until he had difficulty breathing.

  • The incident occurred on April 15, 2026 in a classroom at Wonder Junior High School.
  • The student reported the incident to the school principal, who obtained surveillance footage and contacted the West Memphis Police.

The players

Tracy Matthews

A 56-year-old teacher at Wonder Junior High School in West Memphis, Arkansas who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault following an incident with a student in his classroom.

Wonder Junior High School

The school where the incident took place, located in West Memphis, Arkansas.

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What they’re saying

“'They're not supposed to just put their hands on the kids like that because they call them a 'bruh.' He is a 'bruh,'. He shouldn't have never put his hands on a student like that, and he's a teacher, too. What kind of discipline is there for the rest of the community, you know?'”

— James Barber, Resident

What’s next

The West Memphis School District has stated it is aware of the 'isolated' incident, but it is unclear if Tracy Matthews remains employed at Wonder Junior High School. The judge will determine whether Matthews will be allowed out on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for better training and clear policies around how teachers should respond to perceived disrespect or disruption from students, in order to avoid escalation and the use of excessive force. It also raises broader questions about maintaining discipline in schools while respecting students' rights and dignity.