Central Elementary School’s principal, Melissa Carter, and clerk Cecilia Self were caught on camera allegedly paddling a 6-year-old girl for “allegedly scratching a computer screen,” sparking concerns about corporal punishment in schools.
The incident began when the girl’s mother visited the school to pay a fine for the alleged computer damage. Due to a language barrier, she misunderstood the process. In the principal’s office, she, the principal, and a clerk were present.
The school district’s handbook prohibits corporal punishment but allows for disciplinary actions in cases of intentional damage to school property. Florida law doesn’t explicitly ban corporal punishment.
The recorded incident shocked observers. Attorney Brent Probinsky noted, “That’s aggravated battery,” emphasizing the severity of the situation. The family’s attorney expressed concern for the traumatized child, describing the treatment as brutal, savage, and sadistic.
The mother took her daughter to the doctor the same day to document the red marks and bruises caused by the paddle. She is now worried about long-lasting psychological damage.
“I’m going to get justice for my daughter because if I could not do it in front of her, I’m going to do it with justice,” the mom said.
We hope that this mom gets the justice she so desperately deserves and that the school will release further guidance and a statement in regards to the incident.
