Mother says Bronx principal shoved daughter, files complaint with police

MORRISANIA, Bronx (WABC) -- New York City Department of Education is responding to shocking claims at an elementary school in the Bronx.

The principal who once starred in a grisly gangster movie is now accused of roughing up a student in class.

"I don't understand, but all I know is she's not going to do what she did to my daughter and get away with it," said Vanessa Roman, parent.

An angry mother now out for justice. Vanessiana Himes hasn't been to school since May 24th, the day she says the school principal flew into a rage over a class' bad behavior and shoved the fifth grader, hard.

"She pushed me to the floor and I hit between two tables and the bulletin board and she threw my table to the floor," Vanessiana said.

The 11-year-old says she was left with a nasty bruise on her shoulder.

The alleged incident took place at P.S. 132 in the Morissania section of the Bronx.

Anissa Reilly is the principal who first dodged Eyewitness News' cameras five years ago when she angered parents by canceling fifth grade graduation.

Roman says Reilly denied pushing her daughter, so Roman filed a complaint with police.

"I feel that if I would have done something like this: put a bruise on my child, I would be on Rikers Island right now," Roman said.

The Department of Education released a statement saying, "Nothing is more important than the safety of students and staff. We are investigating these allegations and will ensure appropriate follow-up action is swiftly taken."