An elementary school principal in southwest Florida faces investigation after a video captured her allegedly paddling a 6-year-old student, as reported by WINK News. The child’s mother recorded the incident, which occurred because the student was accused of scratching a computer screen.

The first-grader, just 3 feet tall and 40 pounds, endured three strikes despite school policy prohibiting paddling or corporal punishment. The mother explained that she had visited the school to pay a fine for the computer damage, but a language barrier hindered her understanding of the process. She resorted to recording the incident, hoping to expose what was happening at the school.

The Hendry County School District has provided no comment regarding Principal Melissa Carter’s employment status. The school district’s handbook outlines disciplinary actions for intentional damage to school devices but explicitly forbids paddling or corporal punishment. Florida Law does not expressly prohibit corporal punishment.

An attorney involved with undocumented immigrants, Brent Probinsky, labeled the incident as aggravated battery, emphasizing the use of a weapon that could cause severe harm. The family’s attorney expressed concerns about the psychological impact on the terrified child.

The mother sought medical documentation of the red marks and bruises caused by the paddling, fearing lasting psychological trauma. She is determined to seek justice for her daughter through legal means.

The incident has raised questions about school practices and the need for clear policies on disciplinary actions.