Allegations of Belt Use by Florida Pastor on Fourth-Grade Students at a Private Religious School

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Parents Demand Criminal Charges Against Pastor Accused of Whipping Children at Florida Private School

In a shocking incident that has left parents at a private religious school in Florida outraged, a pastor is facing demands for criminal charges after allegedly whipping several children in a fourth-grade classroom. The incident took place at St. Mark AME Church’s Alpha Learning Academy, and parents are seeking justice for their children who were subjected to this unacceptable form of punishment.

According to witnesses, Pastor Terence Gray entered the fourth-grade classroom and demanded to know which children had misbehaved. He then instructed the children to stand up and admit to their bad behavior, with a threat of even more severe punishment. Taking off his belt, Gray individually administered three lashes to each student, leaving some with bruises on their legs.

Disturbed by what had occurred, students such as Shane Walker bravely spoke out, sharing their accounts of the incident. Walker revealed that Gray had justified his actions by claiming that the children were being “bad.” Concerned parents expressed their shock and anger over the incident, demanding that the pastor be promptly arrested and held accountable for his actions.

Parents were particularly appalled by the fact that the pastor was not supposed to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. Janesha Martin, Walker’s mother, revealed her emotional distress and withdrew her child from the school, emphasizing that she never gave consent for physical punishment to be administered.

Adding to the justified outrage, the school’s handbook does not mention whipping as an acceptable form of punishment. Kinshasa Felix, another parent, took the immediate decision to remove her child from the school after the child was whipped for drawing pictures and distributing them to classmates.

While corporal punishment is legal in Florida, some parents are calling for criminal charges against Pastor Gray. Orlando police have initiated an investigation into the matter, with interviews conducted by a detective involving Martin and Felix. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and paramedics were not required at the scene.

As of now, both the school and Pastor Gray have refrained from providing any comment or statement regarding the incident. The parents are urging the authorities to take swift action and ensure that justice is served for their innocent children who were subjected to such degrading and harmful treatment.

In a society that values the safety and well-being of our children, it is crucial to address incidents like these promptly. Parents, educators, and lawmakers should work together to create an environment where children can learn and grow without fear of mistreatment or abuse.