School District Approves Reintroduction of Paddling as a Disciplinary Measure for Defiant Students
A truly alarming incident unfolded at Central Elementary School in Clewiston, Florida, on April 13.
Reportedly, a 6-year-old student had damaged one of the school’s computers, prompting her mother to be summoned to the school to settle a fee of approximately $50.To the mother’s complete surprise, she discovered her daughter in the principal’s office, accompanied by a clerk, enduring a harsh penalty for her actions. A video recording captures Principal Melissa Carter administering forceful blows with a wooden paddle to the child. The accompanying woman ensures that the child remains still during the chastisement.
The mother, who remains anonymous, spoke with the local news outlet, WINK-TV. “The intensity with which she struck my daughter, it was an intensity that I have never employed in disciplining my daughter,” she conveyed in Spanish. “I had never used such force.” Additionally, the mother stated that she refrained from intervening, as she intended to capture the entire incident on tape, realizing there were no security cameras in the office.
“No one would have believed me,” the mother expressed to the outlet. “I sacrificed my daughter so that all parents could become aware of what is transpiring in this school.”
A 6yo child in FL. was beaten by her school principal, in front of her mother, for damage she allegedly caused to a computer. ⚠️ this video is graphic. It’s infuriating, outrageous & shocking & the principal is now under criminal investigation. https://t.co/M3cIZeTMKa pic.twitter.com/HPAcbYXlXe
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) May 2, 2021
The principal also verbally berated the mother. Subsequently, following the incident, the mother took her daughter to a doctor to document the bruises and red marks inflicted by the paddle. “I will seek justice for my daughter because if I couldn’t attain it right there in the office, I will seek it through the legal system,” the mother affirmed.
At this moment, the Clewiston Police Department and the Department of Children and Families are actively conducting a thorough investigation of the incident. As of now, the state’s attorney’s office has refrained from filing charges against Carter and the secretary.
The family’s attorney, Bret Provinsky, asserts, “This constitutes aggravated battery. They employed a tool capable of causing severe physical harm.” “The child is traumatized, feeling defenseless. He added that she had no means of redress when subjected to such a cruel, merciless, and sadistic treatment by these adults.
In Florida, a 6-year-old child underwent physical punishment administered by her school principal in the presence of her mother. The punishment was allegedly in response to damage caused to a computer. ⚠️ Please be advised that the video content is distressing. The incident has stirred outrage and shock, resulting in a criminal investigation into the principal.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the child for the distressing ordeal she was compelled to endure, and we fervently hope that justice prevails.