Miami Teacher Under Fire for Taping Child’s Mouth in Class

A mother from Miami is expressing her outrage after an incident involving her 5-year-old daughter at Lorah Park Elementary School, where a pre-kindergarten teacher allegedly taped the child’s mouth during class.

Incident Details

Lationa Sterling, the child’s mother, reported that the teacher’s action was intended as a method of discipline to quiet her daughter. “You’re trying to shut (her) up,” Sterling stated, reflecting on the troubling nature of the incident.

Witness Accounts

The events were first communicated to Sterling through her daughter’s godmother, Natasha Clay. Clay’s daughter, Janiya, was present in the classroom and witnessed the incident firsthand. According to Clay, her daughter informed her that the teacher took tape and placed it over her cousin’s mouth. “That was very disrespectful for the family,” said Clay about the act.

Apologies Issued

Following the incident, the teacher reportedly reached out to Sterling, sending a message that read, “I apologize 1,000 times. It won’t happen again… nor will I play again with them this way, but it’s because they asked for it.” However, the family has stated that they do not accept the apology.

Response from Authorities

In light of the incident, Sterling filed an official complaint with Miami-Dade Schools Police and also alerted the school about her concerns. The school district confirmed to local media that the teacher involved has been reassigned while an investigation is conducted into the allegations. A spokesperson for Miami-Dade County Public Schools stated, “The employee has been reassigned from the school setting pending the outcome of the investigation into the allegations.”

Family’s Next Steps

In response to the incident, Sterling and Clay announced plans to withdraw both girls from the school. Clay characterized the act as abusive, noting the potential pain associated with removing tape from a child’s mouth. “Abuse had been done to my goddaughter,” she expressed, underscoring the seriousness of the teacher’s conduct.

As the investigation unfolds, many are left questioning the appropriateness of such disciplinary methods in educational settings.