URGENT UPDATE: A Millard County special education teacher, Melissa Diane Davis, has been charged with child abuse after a shocking incident in her classroom. The 56-year-old instructor was arrested for allegedly striking an 8-year-old student multiple times, raising serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable students.
Authorities confirm that Davis faces a third-degree felony charge for abuse of a child with a disability. This follows the emergence of a video showing her hitting the nonverbal student on the arm, torso, and possibly the head during class. The incident reportedly occurred after the child hit Davis on the arm, prompting her to respond with physical force.
Witnesses allege that before the recorded incident, Davis had warned the student, “if he hit her, she would hit him back.” Furthermore, additional witnesses reported multiple instances of Davis striking the child, although the timeline of these observations remains unclear.
The Millard School District acted swiftly, terminating Davis’s employment at Fillmore Elementary School immediately following the allegations. The district emphasized their commitment to student safety and has notified law enforcement, which is currently investigating the matter.
“The well-being of our students is of paramount importance,” a district representative stated. “We are committed to maintaining a supportive learning environment.”
This alarming incident underscores the urgent need for vigilance and proper training in special education settings, where instructors are responsible for the care of some of the most vulnerable children in the school system. The Millard School District is reviewing its procedures and staff training to enhance safety protocols and ensure nurturing educational environments for all students.
As this story develops, parents and community members are urged to remain informed about the ongoing investigation and the actions being taken to protect students. The district is expected to release further updates as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for more breaking news on this developing situation as authorities continue their investigation into this serious matter.
