Nationwide — Amaria Clark, a 7-year-old African American girl from Homestead, Florida, was reportedly bullied and physically harmed by her teacher at school. The case drew attention due to the child’s special needs and the alleged severity of the incident.
The incident occurred at Airbase K-8 Center School on September 29, 2021. Reports indicate that the teacher grabbed Amaria’s wrist with excessive force, leaving visible marks, and pulled her down the bus steps while accusing her of stealing a cellphone. Witnesses, including other students, saw parts of the confrontation.
Amaria’s mother, Adah Clark, was alerted to the situation by children who witnessed the event. Upon seeing her daughter’s injuries, she took her to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital urgent care. Medical staff confirmed bruising on Amaria’s hands and wrists, as well as a sprained arm that required a sling.
“I was hurt. I’m still hurt,” Adah Clark told CBS News. “I sent her to school, the way I send her to school is the way I expect her to come back. She’s loving, she’s sweet, she’s kind. She’s loving. She’s not an evil child, she’s not a vicious child.”
Lawyers involved in the case state that the teacher, who had served in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for over 45 years, may have acted in retaliation after Amaria reported previous mistreatment. The girl had an Individual Education Plan due to developmental delays and was reportedly denied basic accommodations, including access to the bathroom, despite medical records documenting her needs.
The family subsequently transferred Amaria to another school and filed a federal lawsuit against the teacher and school administrators. The lawsuit cites violations of the 14th Amendment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and claims of emotional and physical distress. The school district has maintained that its investigation found no wrongdoing, though the family disputes the outcome.
“No child should have to go to school worried about what will happen to them in regard to teachers and administrators,” said attorney Rawsi Williams, representing the family.