A teacher at a Christian school in Florida has been arrested and charged with battery after allegedly placing tape over a student's mouth during a class session. The incident occurred at First United Methodist Christian School in Homestead, located south of Miami, on Monday, May 4.
Incident Details
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by CBS News Miami, the teacher, identified as Michael Alvarez, used green painter's tape to seal the mouth of a 13-year-old boy. The student reportedly laughed while another classmate was reading scripture, which Alvarez considered a disruption. Police stated that surveillance footage captured the teacher taking the boy into a hallway and taping his mouth shut.
Aftermath and Charges
Following the taping, Alvarez allegedly brought the student back into the classroom with the tape still in place. The police report noted that this action caused further disruption as other students began laughing. The student later contacted his parents, and his father reported the incident to law enforcement. The father told CBS News Miami that his son was not physically harmed but was confused by the teacher's actions.
Alvarez was arrested and charged with battery. He was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Tuesday after posting bond. The case has drawn attention to disciplinary methods in educational settings, particularly in religious schools.
