A Tuesday evening staff clash inside Sousa Middle School in southeast Washington spiraled from words to shoves, ending with a 44-year-old employee facing a simple assault charge, according to school officials. Several students, including members of the school’s baseball team, saw the altercation unfold, prompting school leaders to reach out to families and roll out counseling support for anyone shaken by what they witnessed.
What the school said
In a message to families, Principal Brittany Green said a verbal dispute between two staff members turned physical, and she wrote that she was “deeply disappointed and sorry” that students had to see it. She also noted that school leaders are aware video of the confrontation may have been recorded and could now be making the rounds among students.
Green told families that the school contacted parents and guardians of students who directly witnessed the incident and made its wellness team, including school social workers and a counselor, available for support, as reported by FOX 5 DC.
Charge and investigation
Authorities have charged 44-year-old Shameka Harris of Northeast Washington with simple assault in connection with the confrontation, according to FOX 5 DC. School officials said the investigation is ongoing and that they plan to continue supporting students while inquiries move forward.
The school has urged families to contact the main office or counseling staff with any questions or concerns as the case plays out.
Where Sousa sits
Sousa Middle School serves middle-grade students in southeast Washington and maintains an active contact page for families on its website. Local school listings identify Brittany Green as the school leader and provide phone numbers and other contact details for parents and guardians.
The district has not issued a separate public statement outlining any personnel changes or disciplinary moves tied to the incident.
Legal implications
Under District law, simple assault is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Court decisions and legal summaries note that the maximum penalty is roughly 180 days in jail and a 1,000 dollar fine. Any criminal outcome in this case would be handled separately from the school system’s internal personnel process and any workplace discipline that might follow.
