Florida Teacher Charged With Child Abuse After Ordering Student to Slap Classmate

A Florida middle school teacher was charged with child abuse for allegedly ordering a 12-year-old student to slap a classmate who would not stop talking, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Judith Clark, 64, was arrested Tuesday after the May 13 incident at Lee Middle School.

Authorities said Clark first asked for volunteers to slap the student but none came forward. She then directed one student to carry out the act after having two other students close the classroom blinds.

School district officials stated that the incident does not reflect the standards expected of employees. They noted the arrest followed a joint investigation with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Child Protective Services. The district said Clark was hired in 2019 and had been informed on April 8 that her contract would not be renewed.

Her last scheduled day was May 29. She was removed from the classroom following the incident. "The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority," the school district said in a statement. " The district added that it will continue working with law enforcement and keep the school community informed.