A Conroe ISD teacher is reportedly on leave as the Houston-area school district investigates allegations that the teacher restricted students from using the restroom, causing some elementary students to urinate on themselves.
According to an email originally sent out to school parents and later shared with Houston media outlets, the alleged incident occurred on Wednesday at Bartlett Elementary. The unnamed first-grade teacher is accused of revoking students’ restroom privileges, causing two students to soil themselves.
“This afternoon, we were made aware of a situation in a first-grade classroom in which restroom privileges were revoked,” Bartlett Elementary Principal Charita Smith in the email, according to multiple news reports. “I have spoken with the parents of both students who, upsettingly, had accidents. The class will have a current staff member to serve as the substitute teacher for the remainder of the week while we complete our investigation into the matter. This incident is not indicative of the safe and loving environment we foster at Bartlett Elementary. I thank you for your support and continued partnership.”
A spokesperson for Conroe ISD did not immediately respond to an email Friday seeking comment.
According to the Houston Chronicle, which cited the account of a Bartlett parent, the teacher in question restricted restroom use as punishment for the class restroom pass being lost and later sent a text message to the parents of some students apologizing for the incident.
“Unfortunately, we had some friends who really needed to use the restroom and ended up peeing on themselves,” the text message said, according to the Chronicle. “I do want to apologize for that incident. I had a talk with the students about how important it is to use our things appropriately, but please have a talk with them about that as well. For I know that if we both help them understand the rules they will understand it better.”