Seminole teacher aide under investigation for allegedly taping student's mouths shut for talking
SEMINOLE, Okla. (KFOR) - A staff member at Seminole Public Schools is under investigation after a student’s parent filed a police report alleging that she duct taped her daughter’s mouth shut, along with several other students, for talking in class last week.
“She placed the tape over her from ear to ear... Very shocked, appalled, shocked as a parent. It's like not the people that you would ever expect to do something like that,” said Rachel Ayers, parent of victim.
Rachel Ayers says it was last Thursday when she learned a paraprofessional aide was teaching in her 10-year-old's activity class.
After school her daughter expressed the staff member duct taped her and other students' mouths shut for talking, after warning them she would.
“She was scared and crying and she was like, please don't have me go back to school,” said Ayers.
Ayers says she immediately filed a police report.
“I hope that there is some kind of justice brought to the situation, especially for the children,” said Ayers.
Ayers says the students allegedly weren’t allowed to take the tape off until the end of class.
“She just told me that the teacher had told her to and all the students to make sure and take it off before they left the classroom,” said Ayers.
Seminole Public Schools superintendent Bob Gragg sent News 4 the following statement:
"This week, Seminole Public Schools received a report that a support employee had placed tape on students’ mouths. The allegation was reported to the Department of Human Services and law enforcement, and the employee was placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. The school district is cooperating with law enforcement and also conducting an internal investigation.
Seminole Public Schools is committed to high standards of conduct and integrity in our district and from our staff. The actions taken by the employee are unacceptable and do not meet our standards and expectations. The safety and wellbeing of our students is our greatest priority. We take every allegation seriously, and we strive to create and maintain a respectful and safe environment for our students and staff."
“My child is scared. And that trust has been broken with the staff,” said Ayers.
Ayers says her daughter says there were no other adults present during the incident.
Seminole Police told News 4 they’ve turned over the investigation to the Seminole County District Attorney, Erik Johnson.
His team confirmed with News 4 that he is now handling the case.