Florida Teacher Told Student to Slap Classmate

A middle school teacher in Florida was arrested on Tuesday, May 19, following an alleged incident where she instructed a student to slap a classmate. Judith Clark, 64, a teacher at Lee Middle School, is accused of telling a sixth-grade student to hit a classmate who was reportedly causing a disturbance in class on May 13. The student reportedly complied with the instruction, striking their classmate lightly.

The School District of Manatee County confirmed the incident occurred and stated that Clark was removed from the classroom pending an investigation. The district emphasized that student safety and well-being are paramount and that Clark's alleged actions do not align with their educational environment standards. Clark had been employed by the school district since 2019 and her contract was not renewed, with her last day of employment scheduled for May 29, 2026.

Detectives from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office obtained an arrest warrant for Clark, leading to her arrest on child abuse charges without great bodily harm. The School District has been collaborating with law enforcement and Child Protective Services on the matter. The district stated it will ensure accountability and keep the school community informed.