An angry mother of a 5-year-old student in Texas is demanding the arrest of two teachers after video footage surfaced showing them abusing her autistic son, resulting in the child breaking his leg. Guadalupe Rodriguez has spoken out against both teachers and other educational staff who did nothing to show concern for the child who is on the autism spectrum. The mother claimed that while her son was attending Wild Peach Elementary School in Brazoria, one teacher committed a horrific act by grabbing him and violently throwing him to the floor. The footage was obtained by KHOU. The 5-year-old’s reaction was to move away from the adult.
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The child’s mother said she was shocked by the footage, but didn’t stop there. Since her child broke his leg on October 30, she requested to see footage from that day as well: “This is a trauma that my son and I will carry forever. I got on my knees and cried, because I didn’t expect to see something like that. I didn’t expect to see my son treated in this way.”
Texas: Serial abuse incidents
The abuse incidents by the teachers were much more numerous according to the report, based on the available footage. On the same day as the incident, the teacher had committed a similar act earlier. This incident was also recorded. Additionally, in another alleged act of abuse, even more heinous, a female teacher is shown kicking the child’s ankle even though he had already injured his foot.
“My son was showing signs of distress and no teacher stopped to ask him what was wrong,” Rodriguez stated, adding: “No one cared.” The teachers were fired. This was confirmed by Columbia-Brazoria ISD to KHOU, but Rodriguez wants them arrested. While their dismissal may not fuel her anger further, it doesn’t calm her rage: “Part of me feels relief, but I’m not satisfied at all with how they’re handling this matter. Neither of them is behind bars. They’re still walking free.”
No charges have been filed
The New York Post reported that no charges have been filed. School principal Ann Kochia emphasized in an email sent to parents that the incidents are being investigated and condemned the behavior of the two educators. She noted that reports have been made to services such as Family Protective Services.
“Now that the student’s parents have met with administration, I’m informing you that the investigation regarding the student injury at Wild Peach Elementary is ongoing. So far, the investigation has concluded that two educational support staff members acted inappropriately, not following prescribed guidelines and training,” principal Ann Kochia wrote in her November 7 letter, which was obtained by KHOU. “The safety and well-being of our students is of utmost importance. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards, expectations, or values of Wild Peach Elementary,” she added. The school district is located approximately 97 kilometers south of Houston.
