A Pennsylvania mother is demanding answers after her 10-year-old son was allegedly forced to kneel on the ground as punishment for falling asleep in class. Cuauhtemoc Vazquez Galvez, a fifth grader at Green Ridge Elementary School in Cumberland County, described the humiliating experience, which has since raised questions about the use of disciplinary actions in schools.
Student punished for falling asleep in class
Cuauhtemoc told CBS 21 that he had briefly “dozed off” during class when his teacher abruptly called out his name. “The teacher yelled out my name and stared me down. He told me to stand up, push in my chair, and kneel,” the young student recalled. His mother, Tania Maria Vazquez Galvez, is outraged by the incident, believing the teacher’s actions were not only inappropriate but illegal. “In the state of Pennsylvania, that’s corporal punishment. It’s been hard on him. He’s scared to go back to school,” Tania said.
Sleep apnea adds to the complexity
Tania also revealed that her son suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that can cause him to unintentionally fall asleep during the day. After the incident, she immediately reached out to the school administration, seeking clarity and accountability. In response, the school’s principal assured her that an investigation would be conducted but urged Cuauhtemoc to return to class, a suggestion that left his mother feeling frustrated. “It was almost like they didn’t believe him,” Tania said. “They were trying to put my son, who is the victim, back into the room without properly investigating what happened.”
School district responds to allegations
The superintendent of the Cumberland Valley School District stated to CBS 21, confirming that they are “following protocols for investigating complaints.” Tania remains firm that there should be no ambiguity regarding her son’s education and safety. “I never want my son to feel like that again,” she stated.
Cuauhtemoc, meanwhile, described the physical discomfort he endured. “I stood up because my knees were sore,” he said, reflecting on the punishment. On Tuesday, the school contacted the Vazquez family to inform them that the district’s human resources department was now involved and that the investigation was nearing completion. The school indicated they would seek Cuauhtemoc’s account of the incident. Under Pennsylvania law, corporal punishment is illegal in public schools, though teachers are allowed to use “reasonable force” in specific situations, such as when a student possesses a weapon or to quell disturbances.
The broader context of corporal punishment in U.S. schools
While corporal punishment is banned in Pennsylvania, 19 states across the U.S. still permit public school personnel to use physical discipline. According to the National Institutes of Health, these states include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and others. The debate over the appropriateness of corporal punishment continues to divide educators, parents, and policymakers. As the investigation into Cuauhtemoc’s case unfolds, his mother is determined to ensure that her son’s rights are upheld and that no other child has to face a similar ordeal.