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Pasadena City College Professor On Paid Leave After Allegedly Striking Student

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —  A Pasadena City College professor is on paid administrative leave after a student alleged the 64-year-old instructor hit him during class.

KNX1070's Vytas Safronikas reports Mark McQueen, who teaches English at the school, was conducting class on October 31 when a student allegedly stood up, shouted expletives and raised his fist.

PCC Professor Accused Of Striking Student

McQueen says he raised his arm to protect himself from a potential blow. The student contends he was struck.

Pasadena City College spokeswoman Valerie Wardlaw said Wednesday investigators are looking into the complaint.

"It's the district's responsibility to protect the safety of all employees and students and to investigate any and all complaints of misconduct. The investigator will investigate both sides of the story and after evaluating all of the evidence will determine which allegations are sustained and which are not," she said.

PCC Professor On Paid Leave, Denies Allegations

"The professor continues to be in good standing. He is receiving his regular pay during the investigation. And he and the student are both shielded from any further incident during the course of this investigation."

Wardlaw declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.

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