INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indianapolis Public Schools board has passed a new policy allowing teachers to physically intervene in fights at schools.

The board approved the policy Thursday night that says there may be times staffers need to use “limited physical force,'' including stopping students from hurting themselves or others.

Indianapolis media outlets report the district drew criticism after a video was posted online purportedly showing a male student beating a female student at an Indianapolis high school. The district's previous policy didn't allow teachers to directly intervene in fights.

Local teachers union president Rhondalyn Cornett says she wouldn't tell teachers that they should physically intervene in fights, but rather try to deflate violence.