Demopolis To Get National Attention

dave · 11-07-2002

Michaela Curtis has waged war against the Demopolis Public School system. She want corporal punishment banned from all Alabama public schools, and specifically Demopolis Schools. This stems from allegations she made that her son was paddled twice at school in two consecutive days causing deep bruising to his buttocks. See full story here. Dr. and Mrs. Curtis have been recently interviewed by reporters from ABC World News Tonite with Peter Jennings, who are doing a story on corporal punishment in America, including Alabama. The show is set to air on either Nov. 8th, 11th or 12th. I'll post the confirmed time when I recieve it.

In other news....Linden wants better cable service. Members of the Linden City Council complained to Mediacom about poor reception and non-existant customer service. The Mayor of Linden Pat Vice is leading the cause, stating, "I'm too hard-headed to give up. I'm looking for a solution." When is Caldwell gonna follow suit with CATV?....Bob Riley has been officially declared our new Governer. It is yet undetermined whether or not Siegelman will contest the results, since their were disputed totals given out from Baldwin County.

Finally....Join StatPat and I Friday night at Memorial Stadium as Demopolis breaks the 1st round playoff curse and beats the Beauregard High School Hornets this Friday night. We need to be loud for our Tigers as they head toward a State Title.

GO BIG BLUE!!!

CagedTiger · 11-08-2002

If this is the same Curtis kid that I'm thinking of, then he may have needed to be paddled. There was a Curtis kid that played little league baseball who had a foul mouth. I mean this kid would curse like a sailor. Many parents where amazed out how a kid could get away with such language. Again, this may not be the same kid.
I personally think that it is ok for kids to be paddled. I got my share in school and it did'nt emotionally scar me. If there was really a bruise then I guess the buttocks is the best place to have one. This issue has gone way too far. I would have more pride in myself than to be interveiwed on national TV. I ask one question. Why has this only happened to one child? Maybe the parents need to look into the mirror and see where they have failed!

dave · 11-08-2002

Here's the online article for Corporal Punishment on ABCnews.com
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/Da...oll021108.html

The show airs tonite (Friday, Nov. 8th) at 5:30 pm

Southerngal · 11-09-2002

Even though I don't have kids, I am for corporal punishment. It was a part of school when I attended many years ago, and in my opinion, if taken out of school, there would be more problems than there is now. Many children now, just don't get discipline at home. If they don't get it in school, where are they going to get it. I do think, though, that the teachers should not be the ones giving the paddling. That should be left to the principal and vice principal. When I was in school, those two were the only ones that could do the paddling. Even then, there had to be a witness when it was done. If it was a girl needing the paddling, there was a female witness and vice versa.

nursescare · 11-09-2002

Jonathan Curtis has never played baseball. This is my youngest son, (Dr Curtis). We are upset because 1) he was beaten black n blue for picking his nose 2) Jennifer Lay stated that she had left at least one other child bruised after a paddling at Westside 3) Jonathan's shirt was lifted and pants slightly lowered to allow Mrs Lay to look for the marks she left. This is not meant to be an attack onthe sychools. It is a way to stop a teacher with a history of abuse.
We will not rest until no more children can suffer from the rath of Jennifer Lay. Alex and Michaela Curtis

CagedTiger · 11-11-2002

That is the reason why I said (if this is the same kid). Could it have been an older brother that I was thinking about ? I will say this, Please don't make your child go through the embarrssment of seeing headlines about him picking his nose and pictures of his buttocks posted. Why do we not hear about others kids being bruised? I'm glad that my parents thought enough of me to be punished . It is still not too late to just drop it and save some of your own dignity. I'm sorry that your child was bruised a little, but I am more sorry that he has to go through what you are doing to him NOW. And, NO I don't know the teacher accused. I'll be praying for you.

nursescare · 11-11-2002

We have not been into baseball in the last 8 years and even then it was 1/2 of a season of t-ball and not with Jonathan. I respect your opinion but my husband and I must follow our hearts and do what we believe is best. Jonathan is permitted to openly discuss any concerns with us. He understands that what was done to him is wrong and that sadly it has happened before and since right here in Demopolis City Schools. Our dignity would be an issue if we ignored the personal and social responsibilty. Allowing her to continue abusing children would be far worse. Speaking out, taking a stand and changing laws that place children in dangerous hands, is something that my husband and I are very proud of doing.

ROBB · 11-18-2002

I agree expose Demopolis for what it is a racist town with dirty little secrets. Racist teachers, coaches, THESE DAYS ARE OVER AND DEMOPOLIS WILL BE USHERED OUT OF THE DARK.

Brian · 11-18-2002

Sounds like you have some deep issues with Demopolis there Robb. The Curtis incident had nothing to do with racism, So I'm not sure why your making an issue about that in this thread. If you wish to discuss racial issues, make a new thread in the General Discussion Area.