WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Scott Lassiter, a Republican candidate for the North Carolina state Senate seat representing southern Wake County, has been suspended with pay from his role as an assistant principal at Connections Academy. This action follows an investigation into his involvement in breaking up a fight between students on May 22.
Lassiter, who has nearly two decades of experience in education and is also the vice chairman of the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, is contesting the seat against Democratic Sen. Lisa Grafstein. The race is particularly significant as the district has no incumbent due to recent redistricting.
Incident Details
According to Lassiter’s attorney, Alicia Jurney, he and a teacher attempted to separate two students during a physical altercation at the Cary-based school, which caters to students reassigned for disciplinary reasons. During the incident, both educators were reportedly punched while trying to manage the situation. They escorted the student involved in the fight out of the school to protect another student. Jurney noted that the student fell to the ground multiple times during the altercation, and there were no security personnel present at the school.
After the incident, an adult allegedly went to the school intending to confront the principal. This individual, later identified as a sex offender, was charged with being on school premises unlawfully and resisting arrest.
Administrative Leave
Despite the school district’s initial lack of action against Lassiter and the teacher following the incident, he was placed on paid administrative leave on September 5 after a lawyer for the arrested adult issued a subpoena for video footage of the altercation. The school system is currently investigating the matter, and a spokesperson declined to confirm specific details due to the ongoing inquiry.
Political Implications
Lassiter’s campaign for the Senate seat is expected to be closely contested, especially given the political landscape, where Republicans are aiming to maintain a veto-proof majority in the state legislature. He previously served as an Apex councilman and attempted to run for a state House seat before withdrawing due to redistricting complexities.
This isn’t Lassiter’s first brush with controversy; he made headlines last year when he sued House Speaker Tim Moore over claims related to an extramarital affair involving his wife. The lawsuit alleged that the affair led to the breakdown of his marriage and included claims of political impropriety. The case was eventually settled out of court.
As the investigation continues, the implications for Lassiter’s campaign and professional future remain uncertain.
