A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Harrisburg School District and former Lincoln Elementary teacher Dawna Holbert following allegations that she physically assaulted a kindergartener. The plaintiff, Surelis Moquete, claims that on November 15, 2024, her daughter was pushed to the ground by Holbert after asking for permission to use the restroom.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the physical and emotional harm experienced by Moquete’s daughter, as well as medical expenses related to the incident. Holbert, 57, of Lewisberry, was charged with simple assault by Harrisburg Police on January 23. Following the incident, she was placed on administrative leave and had her employment terminated on February 11.
According to the police investigation, Holbert denied the student’s request to go to the bathroom, which led to frustration that she later expressed by grabbing the child’s arm. This resulted in the student tripping and hitting her head on a desk, causing a laceration near her right eye that bled. The school nurse described the student as “sobbing, very upset, and had blood going down her face” when she was brought to her office.
Witness accounts, including those of a teacher’s aide present during the incident, noted that while she did not observe the altercation directly, Holbert was visibly distressed afterwards and acknowledged she would likely face consequences for her actions. She later expressed her frustrations about classroom management, indicating a history of treating her students in a threatening manner.
The Harrisburg School District responded to these events by expressing disappointment and stating that they followed proper protocols immediately upon learning of the incident, including notifying law enforcement and placing Holbert on leave.
This incident has sparked conversations about the need for careful management of classroom environments and the treatment of students by educators. Such events highlight the importance of addressing behavioral issues among educators to ensure a safe and nurturing atmosphere for students.