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Outrage has erupted in Washington, D.C., after allegations surfaced that a teacher at Sousa Middle School used corporal punishment on a 14-year-old student. The incident reportedly occurred when the student was washing her hands after a science project on Tuesday (May 13). According to the student's mother, Janel Doy Johnson, the teacher allegedly struck her daughter with a three-foot yardstick for taking too long.
The student reported the incident to the school counselor, prompting an investigation by District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). The school’s principal informed parents of the situation through a letter, emphasizing the seriousness with which DCPS treats allegations of employee misconduct. The teacher in question has been placed on leave during the investigation.
Johnson expressed her distress over the incident, stating, "I’m devastated, hurt, furious, and kind of scared." She has filed a report with D.C. police and is seeking charges against the teacher. The police have confirmed that the report is still in progress.
DCPS protocol mandates that such allegations be reported to the police and the city’s Child and Family Services. The teacher has not been publicly identified, and the investigation is ongoing. The school district has assured parents that the teacher will not return to the school while the matter is under review.