DAYTON, TEXAS – A 6th grader at Nottingham Middle School in Dayton was treated for a dislocated tailbone and severe bruising. Dalton Day's parents said his injuries are the result of being hit with a paddle at school.
"I'm devastated," said Lisa Day, the boy's mother. "He pulled his pants down and what I saw was the paddle board across his bottom."
Day said the outline of the paddle was marked across her son's backside and that he was bleeding. Day also has photographs and x-rays that she said proves these allegations.
"I gave him permission," she said. "I expected maybe a red bottom but not this excessive."
According to Day, she received a call Friday afternoon because her son had misbehaved in class and had gotten into a shoving match with another student. Day gave the principal permission to paddle her son as a form of discipline.
The superintendent of the Dayton Independent School District told Local 2 the district allows corporal punishment, but the parents have an option to allow it or not.
"I thought maybe it would help Dalton realize this is serious, quit being a class clown," Day said. She also admitted her son had been paddled before but that he didn't have any lasting injuries or pain afterward.
"The same man popped Dalton once before but it was fine," she said.
This time Day said it wasn't fine, and her son said he was hit hard.
"I looked back and he was standing in a baseball stance," said Dalton Day. "He swung with both hands."
The 12-year-old said he was wearing blue jeans the day he was hit and that the principal used a paddle made out of wood, about an inch think and 18 inches long. It was allegedly wrapped in blue electrical tape.
The family filed a report with the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office because they provide security for the school. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services also confirmed to Local 2 they are investigating.
Dayton ISD said in a statement, "Dayton ISD is doing an investigation into a parent's report about their 6th grade student receiving corporal punishment at school. They allege that the pops were excessive in nature and that their child was injured. As soon as the investigation is complete, more information will be available."
Day would like the district to rethink its policy.
"I don't want it to happen at any other schools or to any other kids."