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Protesters Clash With St. Paul School Board At Meeting

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A St. Paul school board meeting erupted in chaos Tuesday over how the district handles student violence.

Protesters interrupted the meeting after one man spoke out in support of educators, including a teacher who was put on leave for online comments about student behavior.

Related: 2 Teens Charged With Assault Of St. Paul High School Teacher

Como Park High School teacher Theo Olson was placed on administrative leave earlier this month over Facebook posts about student discipline.

The group Black Lives Matter called Olson's posts "problematic," questioning whether he is fit to teach.

"Racism is causing our kids to really disrupt in the classrooms, and then you see these attacks that are happening and you're trying to blame it on them," parent Chauntyll Allen said.

Jim Endres, a substitute teacher outside the district, stood up for Olson. He called for the district to hold students accountable for their behavior.

"I implore you to support your teachers," Endres said. "Teachers do not get the support they need in the classroom."

Related: St. Paul Principal: Students In Crisis, Teachers Sometimes Overwhelmed

It was a comment Endres made about political correctness that angered protesters.

Superintendent Valeria Silva left the room as protesters took over the floor and shouted. As people filed outside, they said the public comment may be over, but their fight is not.

"[The students] are just basically sick and tired of the way that they're treated," parent Susan Montgomery said.

Endres said he has strong empathy for other teachers.

"They feel powerless, they feel like total victims in a classroom and they shouldn't feel that way," Endres said.

The district plans to start a new student support system at Como Park Senior High School.

Superintendent Silva said in a comment released Tuesday night that there is no simple answer to improve the culture in schools, but everyone plays a role.

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