Maryland school teacher seen on video allegedly hitting students with belt

The substitute teacher has been sent home and local law enforcement has launched an investigation, school officials say

A Maryland substitute schoolteacher has been dismissed after a video surfaced of him allegedly hitting students with a belt in a classroom.

Prince George's County Public Schools officials have not provided the teacher’s name but the parents of one of the children present told FOX 5 that the incident occurred last Friday at Gwynn Park Middle School.

The children appear to be fighting or roughhousing in the video, which has since gone viral on LiveLeak and World Star Hip Hop. School officials have issued a statement saying that the teacher has been sent home and Prince George's County law enforcement officials have been contacted.

“On Friday, May 15, a substitute teacher used improper actions to discipline students while in one of our classes at Gwynn Park Middle School. The substitute teacher has been removed from the classroom and the matter has been referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Prince George's County Public Schools does not condone this type of behavior and it is not representative of the level of professionalism and respectful conduct of the team at the school. PGCPS works to create a respectful and safe environment for all students and staff.”