A Louisiana school system got some poor publicity on Tuesday afternoon. A video went viral on social media. It depicted a teacher being arrested at a school board meeting. She was asking why the system’s superintendent was getting a $38,000 raise when teachers had not been awarded a raise in quite some time.

In the 12-minute video, the teacher, Deyshia Hargrave, seemed cordial enough. She posed the question politely. Then, after the vote, was noticeably distraught that the raise went through anyway.

A marshal then approached Hargrave. He asked her to leave or she would be removed. She was escorted out. Those attending the meeting followed Hargrave out into the hallway once it was known she was being handcuffed.

Hargrave was charged with “remaining where forbidden and resisting an officer,” according to KATC-TV.

It’s disappointing to learn of instances where free speech is suppressed. It also serves as a reminder how well Beaufort County’s school system operates.

School board meetings in Beaufort County are open to the public. Anyone interested in what’s happening in the school system can sit in on the meetings to listen and pose questions. Officials are open to discussions and happy to clarify.

However, county meetings across the board go into closed sessions when discussing and voting on personnel moves. Even so, results of votes and some information are easily accessible once the meetings are reopened.

Moreover, Beaufort County schools this week have again reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its students and staff. School has been out since storms brought snow and ice to the area last week. Superintendent Don Phipps, in announcing closure for Wednesday, said on Twitter, “There are a few stretches of road in shaded areas that have not cleared and they will refreeze.”

Beaufort County is getting some aid from Mother Nature. Temperatures have been on the rise. The end of the semester should be back on track soon. In the meantime, it’s better to be safe than sorry with the safety of students, teachers and others.