In Texas, a couple has voiced their outrage after discovering that their 5-year-old son was paddled by his teacher as a form of discipline—without their consent. In a surprising twist, roughly 40% of school districts in Texas still permit this controversial practice. What is happening in Texas?
Jessica Thompson shared with reporters that her son, Malik, was disciplined for allegedly sticking his tongue out at his teacher—a claim he strongly denies. At Meadows Elementary in DeSoto, Texas, corporal punishment is an option, and parents are given the opportunity to opt out when enrolling their children. Thompson asserts that she submitted the necessary forms to refuse such discipline methods when she registered Malik.
“He used to love attending school,” Thompson commented. “Now, his spirit is crushed. He’s just a 5-year-old; he’s a good kid who usually doesn’t get into trouble. This isn’t typical behavior for him.” Due to the incident, Malik is now too frightened to go back to school, prompting Thompson to homeschool him.
Thompson is calling for an apology from the teacher, expressing frustration over the school’s lack of cooperation. “Originally, I wanted the teacher fired, but at the very least, an apology is needed. Kids need to hear those words,” she emphasized.
While an apology may be warranted, one could argue that the act itself is far more serious. Physical contact without consent can be classified as assault. Are children’s rights diminished simply because they are enrolled in a school that allows such outdated disciplinary measures? The assistant superintendent acknowledged that the teachers involved did not review Thompson’s paperwork prior to paddling Malik. “We need to focus on what’s best for all parties involved. While we understand her request for termination, we won’t go that far,” she clarified.
According to a report by Business Insider, teachers and principals are permitted to strike students three or more times on the buttocks or upper thighs with a wooden paddle, which can be as long as 15 inches. In some instances, makeshift paddles are constructed from shaved-down baseball bats or even taped-together rulers. How is this still a thing?
Without explicit permission, corporal punishment is tantamount to assault. It’s astonishing to think that in this day and age, parents can sign a form that essentially waives their child’s right to protection from physical harm. If Thompson had not signed such a form, the school should not have been able to inflict that punishment. Regardless of opinions on corporal punishment, it is vital to agree that it cannot occur against a parent’s wishes.
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In summary, parental outrage is mounting over a Texas teacher who paddled a 5-year-old without permission. The incident highlights the broader issues surrounding corporal punishment in schools and the rights of children. As conversations continue, it is crucial for educators and parents to collaborate to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.