A middle school teacher’s assistant in Florida was arrested for allegedly slapping a student in the face during a classroom game. The incident occurred at Eustis Middle School on November 17, according to arrest records obtained by FOX 35 Orlando. Ute Galloway, 61, is facing one count of child abuse without great bodily harm.
The incident reportedly took place while students were playing a game involving drawing a turkey and were instructed not to look at the paper. The student in question admitted to looking, which allegedly led Galloway to slap him. She later apologized and pulled the student aside. The principal informed the student’s parents about the incident, but they claim that the school never followed up as promised.
Surveillance footage was reviewed by an officer after the parents reported the incident. Two other students corroborated the victim’s account of what happened. Galloway has been employed at Eustis Middle School since August 2022 as a teacher’s assistant and family-school liaison. However, she is no longer working with students, but she remains employed by Lake County Schools.
The school district has not yet responded to requests for comment. The student involved in the incident is 14 years old, as reported by WESH 2 News. This case highlights concerns about the safety and well-being of students in schools, as instances of alleged abuse by staff members continue to be a cause for alarm.
It is essential for schools and districts to take swift and appropriate action to address such incidents and ensure the safety of their students. The arrest of Ute Galloway serves as a reminder of the responsibility that educators have in providing a secure and nurturing environment for all students.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and further details may emerge as it progresses. The community and parents are urged to stay informed and involved in their children’s education to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
