A PUNCH TO THE FACE. A BITE TO THE BACK. CHUNKS OF HAIR. VIOLENCE TOWARD STAFF AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ABOVE PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

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She’s a bouncer in Hamilton’s Hess Village, yet she’s been “beat up” many times by students at her day job.

Educational assistant Cynthia Thomas says she knows she’s in for a tough day when the school bell rings.

A punch to the face. A bite to the back. Chunks of hair ripped out. A new bruise or other injury.

Violent incidents at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board have increased beyond the levels they were before the pandemic, says the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) Local 527, which represents EAs and other support staff at the board.