Nationwide — Lucretia Johnson, an African American grandmother from Dothan, Alabama, says that Haley Booker Shay, a speech therapist at a local clinic slapped her 3-year-old granddaughter during one of her sessions. She has full custody of her granddaughter and says that she reported the incident to local police and to staff at the clinic but no real disciplinary action has been taken. Now civil rights activist Essie Berry is calling for a federal investigation into the alleged incidentThe allegations surfaced after the child’s grandmother sought a written explanation from the clinic regarding Shay’s behavior which purportedly included slapping the young girl on January 25th, 2024. Despite the grandmother’s efforts, including reporting the incident to local police and the clinic staff, she says that there has been no resolution, leading her to pursue the matter with local authorities and healthcare regulators.
Photos of the child’s injuries and medical examinations from Dothan Pediatric Clinic PA confirmed mild redness and swelling on her face. The medical staff documented these findings, and the child reportedly informed them that Shay not only slapped her but also used offensive language.
Frustrations have escalated as the grandmother’s calls for investigation by local authorities and child protective services have been met with delays and dismissals. In response, she has reached out to various officials and filed a complaint with the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA), receiving minimal support.
In addition to seeking justice for her granddaughter, the grandmother has faced significant harassment and racial discrimination in other aspects of her life, including conflicts with neighbors and local officials in Dothan. This has raised further concerns about systemic bias and the lack of accountability for those in positions of authority.
The response from the legal system has been equally disheartening, with claims that Shay was merely issued a summons to court without arrest — a leniency the grandmother believes would not be afforded if the racial roles were reversed.
Berry emphasizes this case as indicative of broader racial injustices within the American legal system, calling for transparency and reform to address these systemic issues. She and the grandmother are determined to bring this issue to light, seeking justice and aiming to prevent future abuses.
For press inquiries, contact the office of Essie Berry at 202-425-1901.