Isolation from teacher and other students in rural South Carolina School!
Behind the blue box!
Today has been an emotional day. I learned last night a friend's child had been punished in a way I deem harmful to his emotional health. Her eleven year old son who has dyslexia was repeatedly placed in/behind the blue wall (the children call the blue box) for hours day after day for punishment. When my friend approached the teacher and principle they could not or would not give her an answer as to what he had done, yet both agreed the punishment was acceptable. My friend does not tolerate bad behavior and wants her child properly disciplined, however this method is clearly harmful. He was also placed in silent lunch and had no recess for Wednesday and Thursday. Still she had no answers!
No answers for punishment of this kind and only justifications, she called the district office and there got no real help. She withdrew her son from school on Thursday around noon and took him straight to the doctor. Her son told his physician while in tears, "I am just retarded...there is no hope for me." The physician has given my friend an excuse for school for the next couple of days stating: Emotional Distress at school.
My christian sisters and brothers, I am outraged. I grew up in a family of educators and have many friends who are educators, none of whom would resort to this method of isolation as a form of punishment with a child. This method is archaic at best and in my opinion is clearly abusive.
Please pray for this family, but most especially this precious child. Pray he will be healed, restored, and become the triumphant human being GOD created him to be. I am confident GOD has awesome plans for this young boy and will use this experience for HIS good will and purpose.
Continued prayers for resolve and healing,
Andrea
