Wayne County District Attorney Matthew Delbridge dismissed charges filed against a Southern Wayne High School science teacher in the aftermath of an incident that unfolded during a school basketball game Feb. 16 — determining that “school administrative authority is best situated to fashion a timely and equitable response to the actions of this employee while on school property.”
But Wayne County Public Schools officials said Anthony Williams — who was charged in connection with possession of a pocketknife on school grounds and resisting arrest — remains on paid administrative leave and declined to comment on whether the teacher and coach would be reinstated by the district now that those charges have been dropped.
“As this is a personnel matter, I would not be privy to that information,” said Ken Derksen, WCPS Executive Director for Community Engagement and Student & Family Support. “I can, however, confirm employment status. If his status changes, I can let you know.”
Williams’ attorney, Habekah Cannon, has claimed that her client was unlawfully and unnecessarily assaulted by School Resource Officer and Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Albert Woods.
“On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Deputy Albert Woods assaulted science teacher and softball coach Anthony Williams during a school basketball game. The deputy believed Mr. Williams was a student in possession of a pocketknife and asked him to hand it over or take it to his car. When Mr. Williams tried to put it away, he informed the deputy that the tool was in his possession because it was used during a science lab. … Instead of the deputy asking Mr. Williams for his teaching credentials, the deputy assaulted Mr. Williams,” she said.
Williams was not, according to Cannon, charged with a crime that night. In fact, he was released after students and other Southern Wayne community members informed the deputy that Williams was, in fact, a staff member.
According to Cannon, charges were not filed until after the teacher told Central Office staff “he was assaulted by Deputy Woods.”
In the aftermath of the incident, more than 150 Southern Wayne students staged a walkout on campus Feb. 24. The following week, a demonstration was held outside the WCPS Central Office on Royall Avenue.
A video of the altercation between Woods and Williams can be seen by clicking here.
Obviously, Mr. Williams never learned “Yes Sir” ,”No Sir” ,”What can I do for you, Sir”. I was never raised to argue with an officer of the law. Mainly out of respect for their position. Officers of the law have a difficult job. They encounter all kinds of situations that can subsequently lead to violence. They deserve better pay and more respect. Most of the citizens of Wayne County would not want their job.
As for Mr. Williams, an apology for his lack of good judgement ( As a teacher he knows the policy) and move on
Cops should not be put on a pedestal.
You obviously don’t know Anthony personally.
baloney – you are making an assumption of what verbally transpired – why would you assume the black man was rude?
We are NOT in that “YESSUH” world anymore!! This man was assaulted by a deputy from a misunderstanding. The officer should have been more professional. Defund cops like this. You are so ignorant for your comment.
Wayne county on a whole needs to be revamped in the area of politics, education, and accountability. If charges were dismissed I see no reason why the teacher should not be reinstated. It’s like saying no crime was committed but the officer was justified in his actions. This is why we can’t keep dedicated teachers especially ones of color. This has to stop and it must stop now.
Obviously …you have never met Mr. Williams. He is the epitome of politeness! One of the most respectful young men I know. I agree law enforcement has a difficult job, but then again so is being a law abiding citizen in our current society. I assume the “They “ you refer to are the Teachers … they deserve better pay and respect. As for Mr. Williams owing an apology..
I’ve made apologies to people I needed to, but I can’t apologise to people I don’t know for things they don’t understand.
Sienna Miller
The Officer should have a asked more question and not been so quickly to act like a hot shot with his Big old BLET training. Mr Williams is a great person and Teacher. School also are lacking Black Male figures and Male role models which the schools need so bad
Obviously …you have never met Mr. Williams. He is the epitome of politeness! One of the most respectful young men I know. I agree law enforcement has a difficult job, but then again so is being a law abiding citizen in our current society. I assume the “They “ you refer to are the Teachers … they deserve better pay and respect. As for Mr. Williams owing an apology..
I’ve made apologies to people I needed to, but I can’t apologise to people I don’t know for things they don’t understand.
Sienna Miller