Two Polk County teachers have been placed on administrative leave following accusations they told a seven-year-old student to scrub the floors with a toothbrush as punishment.
- Student got in trouble for talking in class
- Parents say they were not informed of their child's punishment
- School district has begun investigation
The student reportedly got in trouble for talking in class at Lake Alfred Elementary. She told her parents her teacher sent her to the classroom next door, where another teacher allegedly make her scrub the floors with a toothbrush.
"Really, you can't believe that this happened to your child in a place where they're supposed to be safe, and teachers are supposed to look after them and take care of them," said Kenneth Gamble, the child's father.
Gamble said neither he nor the girl's mother was informed about the punishment by the school. He said his daughter came home complaining of back pain, and that's when she told them what had happened.
Gamble said his daughter told them she was forced to scrub the floor in front of other students, and wasn't able to take part in regular classroom activities.
"I don't care who it is, my child or another child, it's wrong on so many levels," he said.
Polk County Schools issued a statement:
"We are deeply concerned about the allegations regarding two teachers at Lake Alfred Elementary. We have begun a formal investigation, and both teachers have been placed on administrative leave. This matter is also being investigated by law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families, with our full cooperation."
"Our schools are required to follow a Code of Student Conduct; it is expected that all disciplinary measures be handled in a manner that is respectful to the student and preserves their dignity. If true, the allegations described at Lake Alfred Elementary are completely unacceptable."
Lake Alfred Police said they have conducted an investigation and turned the findings over to the state attorney's office, but at this time no criminal charges are being filed.