Shocking Incident Leaves 6th-Grade Student Severely Injured, Authorities Say
In a disturbing case of alleged educator misconduct, a Minnesota teacher has been arrested and charged with maliciously punishing a child after reportedly using a 6th-grade student as a “stepping stool” during a school safety drill, law enforcement and court documents reveal.
Teacher’s extreme actions spark outrage
Jason Rogers, a 48-year-old teacher at Underwood School, stands accused of a shocking breach of professional conduct after allegedly standing on a student’s back during a routine safety exercise. According to court documents obtained by local media, Rogers confessed to using multiple students as makeshift platforms, with one child suffering significant physical trauma.
A parent’s heartbreaking account
The victim’s mother described her son’s condition in harrowing terms, stating he was “walking around like an 80-year-old from the pain in his back.” The incident came to light only after the child required medical treatment for his injuries.
Disturbing details emerge
Court records paint a troubling picture of the event. “[The child] did not know why Defendant did this because he did not hear him say anything about it and just stepped on him like he was a ‘stepping stool’,” the criminal complaint states. Witnesses reported that the entire class observed the incident, with some believing Rogers had potentially broken the student’s back.
Teacher’s justification raises serious questions
When interrogated, Rogers—who acknowledged weighing approximately 350 pounds—claimed he acted because students were not taking the drill seriously. He allegedly warned students lying on their stomachs that he “could step on them in their current position” and subsequently placed his foot on the injured student’s lower back, applying his full weight.
Following the incident, Rogers has been placed on paid administrative leave while the Underwood Public Schools district conducts a thorough investigation. He faces one gross misdemeanor count of malicious punishment of a child.
Legal and ethical implications
This case raises significant concerns about student safety, teacher accountability, and the boundaries of disciplinary actions in educational settings. Legal experts are closely watching the developments, with potential implications for school safety protocols nationwide.
Local authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the incident, with particular focus on Rogers’ interactions with other students during the drill.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.