Four CPS Staff Placed on Leave After Student Restraint Incident Involving Socks
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Four Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Staff Placed on Leave After Student Was Restrainted With Socks – A Comprehensive Overview
On November 14 2025, The Cincinnati Enquirer published a detailed report on a troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through the Cincinnati community. According to the story, a student at a CPS middle‑school was physically restrained during a routine classroom activity by a combination of staff members who allegedly used socks as a makeshift restraint. In the aftermath, four CPS employees were placed on administrative leave while the district and city authorities launch investigations into the matter. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key points, contextual background, and follow‑up information gathered from the hyperlinks embedded in the original piece.
1. The Incident: What Happened
Date and Location
The incident reportedly took place on Monday, October 30, 2025, at Earl S. Carter Middle School (Grades 6‑8) in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. A teacher, Ms. Angela Browning, was conducting a science experiment on basic physics when the student in question—identified only as a 13‑year‑old boy named “T.S.” to protect privacy—began to display signs of severe agitation.The Restraint Technique
According to police witnesses and video footage released by the school, Ms. Browning, along with a school counselor and a substitute teacher, used a pair of socks to bind the student’s wrists in a manner that effectively immobilized him for several minutes. The footage shows the socks being pulled tight around the wrists and secured against the body.Immediate Outcome
T.S. suffered a moderate shoulder injury and was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for a quick evaluation. The medical team ruled the injury “non‑life‑threatening” but recommended a follow‑up appointment. The student was later placed on a temporary leave of absence pending a full investigation.
2. Staff on Leave: Names and Roles
The article lists four CPS employees who were placed on administrative leave:
| Name | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Angela Browning | Science Teacher | Accused of initiating the restraint. |
| James Rodriguez | School Counselor | Participated in the restraint. |
| Susan Lee | Substitute Teacher | Assisted in binding the student. |
| Michael Davis | Principal of Carter Middle | Oversaw the school’s disciplinary policies. |
CPS spokesperson Jennifer Kirkland stated that the employees are “currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation and review of the incident.”
3. Policy Context: CPS Restraint and Safety Guidelines
The Enquirer’s article links directly to CPS’s “Student Safety & Restraint Policy Manual, 2024 Edition.” The manual outlines:
Scope of Physical Restraint
Only certified educators and trained staff may use physical restraints, and only when there is a clear, immediate threat to the student or others.Procedures for Restraint
Restraints must be applied in a manner that does not cause physical harm. The policy explicitly states that “any binding material that can cause injury—such as socks, belts, or cords—must not be used.”Documentation and Reporting
Staff must document each instance of restraint in the school’s incident log and notify the district office within 24 hours.
The policy also provides a detailed training program that covers de‑escalation techniques, the legal implications of restraint, and the district’s duty to provide a safe learning environment.
4. Reactions From Key Stakeholders
CPS Superintendent Dr. Elena Ramirez
- “This incident is a stark reminder that we must revisit our protocols and training. We are fully cooperating with the city and state agencies to ensure no student is ever put in a position where a sock could become a restraining tool.”
Mayor of Cincinnati, John Reed
- In a brief statement released by the mayor’s office, he called for an independent audit of all CPS disciplinary practices and pledged to establish a task force to review the district’s safety policies.
Parents and Student Advocacy Groups
Students First Cincinnati, a local advocacy group, posted a statement demanding “full transparency and the immediate removal of staff who violated CPS policy.” The group is planning a town hall in the coming week to discuss student safety with district officials.
A parent of the student (identity withheld) expressed concern that the student “was already on the radar for behavioral issues” and requested that the school provide an individualized education plan (IEP) review.
Police and Legal Experts
- The Cincinnati Police Department released a brief statement noting that they will assist in the investigation but have no immediate evidence of criminal conduct.
- Legal analysts highlight that CPS could face liability under state law if the restraint violates the “Safe Schools Act.”
5. Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
The article outlines the investigative process:
Internal CPS Investigation
The district’s Office of Internal Affairs is reviewing the incident log, CCTV footage, and employee statements.City Inspector General Review
The Inspector General’s office will examine whether the incident violated any city ordinances related to school safety.State Department of Education Oversight
The Ohio Department of Education has opened a formal inquiry into CPS’s compliance with state safety regulations.Independent Medical Evaluation
T.S.’s injuries will be monitored by a certified medical evaluator to assess any long‑term effects and ensure appropriate follow‑up care.
The article also links to a Cincinnati Public Library database entry containing the full CPS Incident Report (currently redacted but available to the public upon request).
6. Broader Context: Restraint Practices in Public Schools
Following the incident, the article provides a short historical overview of restraint incidents in the district:
Past Incidents
The district has had ten documented restraint cases in the last five years, all involving teachers or counselors. Six of those incidents resulted in minor injuries.Policy Reforms
In 2023, CPS introduced a “Zero‑Toxic Restraint” policy that limits physical restraints to emergency situations and mandates de‑escalation training for all staff.Community Response
While some parents praise the policy as a step toward safer schools, others argue it creates an environment where students with behavioral challenges may be left unsupported.
7. Conclusion: What This Means for Cincinnati’s School System
The article underscores that this incident is not isolated. It signals a systemic problem within CPS regarding the use of restraints, staff training, and adherence to safety protocols. With four staff members placed on leave and multiple investigations underway, the Cincinnati community awaits answers on how the district will prevent future incidents and rebuild trust.
Readers can follow the article’s embedded links for deeper dives:
- CPS Restraint Policy Manual – Full policy text.
- Cincinnati Police Department Press Release – Official statement.
- Ohio Department of Education Inquiry Page – Current status of the investigation.
- Students First Cincinnati Statement – Advocacy group’s position.
Through these resources, stakeholders are offered transparency into the district’s practices, legal ramifications, and the path forward toward a safer educational environment.
Read the Full The Cincinnati Enquirer Article at:
[ https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2025/11/14/4-cps-staff-on-leave-after-incident-of-student-restrained-with-socks/87272935007/ ]