Teacher Accused In Scuffle With Student To Return To Work

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com/AP) — A Santa Monica High School teacher who allegedly scuffled with a student in a classroom is returning to work.

The school district says Mark Black will be back Monday, when students return from spring break.

The science teacher and wrestling coach was placed on paid leave after he was captured on a cellphone video struggling with a student on April 4. The two crashed into desks and Black allegedly wound up pinning the teenager to the floor.

Thousands of people rallied to support Black, who has been teaching for more than 30 years, through a Facebook page and online petition, KNX 1070's Megan Goldsby reported.

A school board member has said the confrontation allegedly involved drug use.

Witnesses said Black was only restraining the teen, who had allegedly attacked Black.

Goldsby said the student and another teen were arrested.

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