Teacher Relocated After Allegations of Choking Student in Florida
EUSTIS, Fla. — A teacher at Eustis Middle School has been reassigned pending an investigation into allegations that she choked a student. The incident reportedly involved a 12-year-old student, Ky’lin Williams.
Incident Overview
According to reports, the incident began when Ky’lin and his friends were playing with ketchup packets in the cafeteria, which led to disciplinary action from a school employee. As the employee informed Ky’lin that he would face a write-up, he attempted to contact his mother for support. However, school policies prohibit students from using their phones during class hours, prompting staff to confiscate the device.
Allegations of Physical Contact
Ky’lin describes that during the phone confiscation attempt, a faculty member allegedly choked him. “I hear him screaming, ‘Mommy, Mommy, Mommy! Help me! She’s choking me!'” said Ashley Griffin, Ky’lin’s mother, expressing her shock and concern over the claims. Ky’lin recalled, “She grabbed my neck. So when I get scared, it’s hard for me to breathe.”
School and Police Response
The police report states that the employee’s actions were unintentional, indicating that the left arm of the administrator made inadvertent contact with Ky’lin’s hoodie collar near his neck. Despite this, Ky’lin’s mother remains unconvinced by the explanation, stating, “Overall I’m just disgusted. I put my trust in them to take care of my child.”
Griffin expressed a desire to press charges; however, police stated that the evidence did not support the claim of an intentional battery, as defined by Florida law, which requires intentional contact that is against another person’s will.
Impact on Student
Following the incident, Ky’lin has expressed feelings of anxiety about returning to school, stating, “Like scared and upset at the same time. I’m worried I might run to her.”
Current Status
In light of the allegations, the school district has confirmed the teacher’s reassignment to a position where they will have no interaction with students while the investigation is ongoing. This action underscores the institution’s commitment to ensuring student safety and addressing concerns raised by parents and students alike.
As the investigation progresses, both the community and the involved families await further updates regarding protocol and student welfare.
