On Friday night we told you the shocking story of a female teacher at Sadie Vernon High in Belize City who was accused of punching a male student.
We were unable to speak to that teacher on Friday - but we did meet her today. To protect her professional reputation against what she says is an outrageous falsehood, she asked to appear off camera.
She said the entire episode started over two students arguing over a rag - which she has also detailed in a written account:….
Teacher, Accused
"I took away the rag and I told the students to relax we need to begin the class. When I noticed the same student came and grabbed the rag from my books. When I noticed he started to quarrel with another student for no reason. So to calm the situation I touched him on his back and I tell him to be quiet and he needs to sit down and pay attention."
Jules Vasquez
"You say you touched him. Specify what was involved in that touch."
Teacher, Accused
"Yes, it was just a slight touch, it was the tip of my fingers that touched him. Another situation that happened in class that when I was writing names of students, he came behind me and started doing jerk movements, so I just turned and tell him that he needs to behave."
Jules Vasquez
"You mean he was like winding up on you?"
Teacher, Accused
"Yes, when I was writing he was winding, doing jerk movements, so I turned and tell him that he will be getting 5 demerits and that got him more upset. So, because of that he just turns the touch into a punch. He went to report this to the principal. The next day I was called to a meeting with the principal, I explain everything that happened in class."
Jules Vasquez
"Now since then I have heard at least 2 more reports of allegations against you, another that you hit another child and another that you call child - excuse the language - 'a black monkey' are these allegations true?"
Teacher, Accused
"It is not true, these allegations are not true."
Jules Vasquez
"You are saying these stories which are also stories of abuse are completely made up?"
Teacher, Accused
"Yes, they are made up. When we had a meeting with the principal I ask the principal to bring the child, the students that are saying this - bring them. Up to now they haven't brought any students, they haven't call any names. That is just to show that they are fabricating these stories."
Jules Vasquez
"You don't want to quit?"
Teacher, Accused
"I will not quit, why I would quit when I know I am innocent. Why will I quit? When injustice is being done. I will not quit."
The teacher told us that the school administration did not support her and in fact she believes that administration is fuelling the complaints against her.
We could not speak with the administration to confirm this.
She says she will seek legal advice…
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