Opinion ID: 2066191
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: Incidents of Physical Force or Restraint

Text: The evidence regarding Johanson's use of physical force or restraint, other than the electrical cord and soap incidents, was largely in dispute. In analyzing these incidents, we bear in mind that, under the directed verdict standard, the District is entitled to have every controverted fact resolved in its favor and to have the benefit of every inference which can reasonably be drawn from the evidence. See Alexander v. Warehouse, 253 Neb. 153, 568 N.W.2d 892 (1997). Kelsey's testimony was based entirely upon statements made to her by Craig. Thus, even under the directed verdict standard, her testimony should be given little, if any, weight. See Hollingsworth v. Board of Education, 208 Neb. 350, 303 N.W.2d 506 (1981). However, Ambrose testified that she had personally witnessed Johanson holding Craig by the jawline and moving Craig's head side to side to reinforce what he was saying. She also stated that Johanson was speaking in an angry voice. Cross testified that she personally observed Johanson shaking Craig by the shoulders hard enough to make Craig's glasses bobble and that Johanson's voice was raised. The above incidents are clearly contrary to the rules or ethical code of the District. First, the teacher handbook discourages loud, angry talk. Second, in neither instance of physical discipline is there any indication that such was immediately essential to repel an attack or protect other persons. Under the policy manual, physical contact is not a permissible means to reinforce what one is saying. As for the incident observed by Cross, Johanson admitted that, although Craig may have had scissors at one point, the scissors were on the desk while Johanson was shaking Craig. We can only conclude that the evidence was sufficient to support the District's findings that Johanson's use of physical force or restraint constituted unprofessional conduct.