{"id":207523,"date":"2026-03-26T22:20:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T22:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/207523\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T22:20:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T22:20:07","slug":"rotc-instructor-removed-from-sandalwood-high-school-after-reports-of-students-performing-demeaning-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/207523\/","title":{"rendered":"ROTC instructor removed from Sandalwood High School after reports of students performing \u2018demeaning activities\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>DCPS said the instructor is under investigation.<\/p>\n<p>No description found<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Duval County Public Schools said it is investigating allegations involving an ROTC instructor\u2019s actions at Sandalwood High School.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">In a statement sent to News4JAX, the district said the instructor has been removed from the school during the investigation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">\u201cWhile the presumption of innocence applies, the reported behavior is unacceptable and does not align with the high expectations we hold for our educators or our unwavering commitment to student dignity and well-being,\u201d the district said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Principal Hatcher sent a message to Sandalwood High families addressing the reports that ROTC students were \u201cdirected to perform demeaning activities as a form of classroom discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 ewwUYq\">Dear Saint Nation, This is Dr. Hatcher. I want to share an important update with you in the spirit of transparency. An\u00a0ROTC\u00a0instructor has been removed from the classroom following very concerning allegations. Specifically, the allegations involve reports that\u00a0ROTC\u00a0students were directed to perform demeaning activities as a form of classroom discipline. This matter is currently under investigation by the district and school police, and a report has also been made to the Department of Children and Families Services. Due to the active investigations, I am unable to provide additional details at this time. However, I can share that the nature of these allegations is concerning, demonstrates poor judgement, and does not rise to the high standards we have for all our staff. While all individuals are entitled to due process, please know that we will take all appropriate action following the conclusion of the investigations. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are in direct contact with the students and families involved and are working to provide any needed support and services. While it is never easy to share this type of news, I believe it is important that you are informed. Thank you for your continued support of Sandalwood High School.<\/p>\n<p>Principal Hatcher &#8211; Sandalwood High School<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">DCPS said this is an active investigation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 nALdY copyright\">Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX &#8211; All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<p>About the AuthorJonathan Lundy headshot<a class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__LinkBase-sc-1fnzlkn-9 eUojqd gMnWPT\" href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/team\/JLundy\/\" title=\"View Jonathan Lundy&#039;s full profile\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonathan Lundy<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 gnunoy bOlrXa\">Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville.<\/p>\n<p>Slow down &amp; move over: Ride-along with JSO traffic patrol drives home important safety reminders<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:29<\/p>\n<p>Slow down &amp; move over: Ride-along with JSO traffic patrol drives home important safety reminders\u26be\ufe0f Opening Day + perfect weather = the ultimate Friday night in Jax <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:34<\/p>\n<p>\u26be\ufe0f Opening Day + perfect weather = the ultimate Friday night in Jax Voices of the 904 Ep 2. &#8211; Her creative lens turned a studio into a space elevating Jax&#8217;s identity<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:33<\/p>\n<p>Voices of the 904 Ep 2. &#8211; Her creative lens turned a studio into a space elevating Jax&#8217;s identityStudy finds most \u2018Mayport Shrimp\u2019 dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually imported<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:06<\/p>\n<p>Study finds most \u2018Mayport Shrimp\u2019 dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually importedViral video of Dasaun Williams\u2019 takedown prompts new use of force questions<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:54<\/p>\n<p>Viral video of Dasaun Williams\u2019 takedown prompts new use of force questionsNew \u2018larger format\u2019 Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzas<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:12<\/p>\n<p>New \u2018larger format\u2019 Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzasUSS Donald Cook departs Mayport as Operation Epic Fury continues<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:37<\/p>\n<p>USS Donald Cook departs Mayport as Operation Epic Fury continuesFamily of A\u2019hmari Robinson shares stories at candlelight vigil days after his death<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:45<\/p>\n<p>Family of A\u2019hmari Robinson shares stories at candlelight vigil days after his deathDevelopers break ground on affordable housing project in St. Augustine<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:10<\/p>\n<p>Developers break ground on affordable housing project in St. AugustineGetting ready for the next GROW ROUND!  Tower Garden maintenance&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 2:52<\/p>\n<p>Getting ready for the next GROW ROUND!  Tower Garden maintenance&#8230;End the month off right with this lineup of events from March 26-29<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:10<\/p>\n<p>End the month off right with this lineup of events from March 26-29Big: Culture &amp; Arts Festival brings Grammy-nominated rappers, art, culture to Gainesville<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:31<\/p>\n<p>Big: Culture &amp; Arts Festival brings Grammy-nominated rappers, art, culture to GainesvillePearl Street Square to bring apartments, restaurants, beer gardens &amp; jobs to Downtown Jacksonville<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:22<\/p>\n<p>Pearl Street Square to bring apartments, restaurants, beer gardens &amp; jobs to Downtown JacksonvilleSplit Happens Ep. 9: The role of mediation in resolving legal disputes efficiently<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:23<\/p>\n<p>Split Happens Ep. 9: The role of mediation in resolving legal disputes efficientlyBurden of failing roof lifted for Jacksonville veteran through volunteer project<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:56<\/p>\n<p>Burden of failing roof lifted for Jacksonville veteran through volunteer projectFriends and family gather to remember 19-year-old who died in motorcycle crash on Buckman Bridge <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:47<\/p>\n<p>Friends and family gather to remember 19-year-old who died in motorcycle crash on Buckman Bridge Accused shooter in death of 2-year-old boy denied bond<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:55<\/p>\n<p>Accused shooter in death of 2-year-old boy denied bondJacksonville mentor known as \u2018That Lemonade Lady\u2019 fighting for life after electrical shock<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:52<\/p>\n<p>Jacksonville mentor known as \u2018That Lemonade Lady\u2019 fighting for life after electrical shockGardening in a new light.  Some recommended updates for healthier seedlings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 2:42<\/p>\n<p>Gardening in a new light.  Some recommended updates for healthier seedlings.Families bid farewell as USS Mason heads out for deployment from Naval Station Mayport<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:38<\/p>\n<p>Families bid farewell as USS Mason heads out for deployment from Naval Station MayportPowerful winds, worsening drought threaten Jacksonville area<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:55<\/p>\n<p>Powerful winds, worsening drought threaten Jacksonville areaYour next beach day find could change someone\u2019s life. \ud83c\udf0a\u2600\ufe0f<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:07<\/p>\n<p>Your next beach day find could change someone\u2019s life. \ud83c\udf0a\u2600\ufe0fJSO arrests 21-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 2-year-old<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:46<\/p>\n<p>JSO arrests 21-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 2-year-oldNights of Lights dates permanently changed in 3 to 2 vote<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:33<\/p>\n<p>Nights of Lights dates permanently changed in 3 to 2 voteFormer JEA chief of staff tells City Council committee employees are \u2018scared for their job\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:18<\/p>\n<p>Former JEA chief of staff tells City Council committee employees are \u2018scared for their job\u2019Previous photoNext photo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"DCPS said the instructor is under investigation. No description found JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Duval County Public Schools said&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":207524,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[1040,116,118,117],"class_list":["post-207523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jacksonville","tag-dcps","tag-jacksonville","tag-jacksonville-headlines","tag-jacksonville-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/207523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=207523"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/207523\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/207524"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=207523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=207523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=207523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}