BREAKING: A substitute teacher has been fired from Paterson Public Schools following alarming accusations that she used hot sauce as a form of punishment on non-verbal, special needs kindergarteners. This shocking revelation has ignited outrage among parents and advocacy groups, who are demanding immediate accountability and further investigation into the matter.
The accusations first surfaced in late December when fellow substitute Kenya Hilton took to Facebook, declaring the alleged actions as “UNACCEPTABLE and DISTURBING.” Parents were horrified to learn that the children involved were as young as six years old, sparking intense backlash against the school district.
In an official statement, Paterson Public Schools confirmed the teacher’s termination, stating, “The District is aware of the allegation regarding an incident at Dale Avenue Elementary School and immediately initiated an investigation in accordance with established protocols.” However, the district has declined to provide specifics on the incident, further frustrating affected families.
Local parent Quasheema Frye reported that her son was among those subjected to this alleged punishment. After following up with the district, she was initially informed of her son’s involvement but later received conflicting information that left her seeking clarity.
Advocacy organizations are stepping in to demand justice. The National United Youth Council is now representing Frye, questioning why police and child protective services were not alerted immediately. Director Salaam Ismial emphasized the need for answers regarding the qualifications of the substitute teacher and the lack of immediate action from authorities.
Parents and advocates are now calling for transparency and accountability. “Who is this Substitute Teacher, what made her a qualified person?” Ismial wrote on social media. “Why wasn’t police or child protection called?”
The Paterson Board of Education is set to hold a workshop meeting on February 4, 2025, followed by a regular session meeting on February 11, 2025, where these issues are expected to be discussed. The growing calls for action signal that this is not just an isolated incident but a concerning trend in how vulnerable students are treated in schools.
This latest scandal follows another recent incident in New Jersey, where a teacher was reprimanded for taping a nine-year-old student to a desk, highlighting ongoing concerns about student safety and appropriate disciplinary measures in schools.
As this story continues to develop, parents and community members are urged to remain vigilant and demand safer environments for all students. The ramifications of this incident could have lasting effects on policies regarding special needs education in New Jersey.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities investigate this troubling situation.
