Teachers are expected to behave professionally and show students the proper behavior. This teacher went viral after failing to do so.

In a video that initially spread on TikTok, and has now reached almost everywhere on the internet, Robert Evins Pickard, a white history professor at Tennessee State University (TSU), was seen shouting at a black student that he failed the class and should leave the classroom. The video also showed Pickard’s close encounter while shouting at the student, violating the student’s personal space.

Apparently, it was not the first time. Students at the university testified that he always shouted at his students during class.

After the school administration was informed, TSU immediately acted to address the incident. According to the school, “TSU does not tolerate unprofessional behavior in its classrooms or otherwise directed at students. The University is committed to providing a healthy and positive academic environment for all students.” They further added that Pickard was dismissed due to his unacceptable behavior.

Pickard apologized and said that he regrets his actions. He said that he was under pressure at the time of the incident. He also said that did not like the fact that students kept on wondering why their grades are low, when they did not pay attention in class and were constantly glued to their phones and computers. He said that he has resigned and is now retired. 

JC Bowman, who is with the Professional Educators of Tennessee, commended the student’s restraint, as even he was shocked by what happened. He also said no student at any level should be abused by their teachers, regardless of what they did. Teachers are supposed to help students, not shout at them, he said.