Parents to Protest to Call for Firing of Principal Accused of Dragging Students

Bridgeport principal Carmen Perez Dickson was caught on camera dragging kindergarten students down a hallway, board members said.

A Bridgeport school principal caught on camera dragging kindergarten children down a hallway has been suspended for six months without pay and will be reassigned to another administrative job.

Now, parents who are outraged by the school board's decision plan to protest that punishment as too lenient and demand that the principal be fired. 

The Connecticut Post reports that the Board of Education voted 4-3 on Wednesday to approve the disciplinary measures against Carmen Perez Dickson and rejected a recommendation by School Superintendent Paul Vallas to fire her.

Dickson, a 35-year veteran educator, was seen on videotape three times dragging kindergarten children down a corridor in the Tisdale School in February and March 2012. Staff also accused her of hitting children.

She has been on paid leave since last July and has collected more than $162,000, according to school officials. She has also been ordered to attend sensitivity training.

During her termination hearing, Dickson's lawyer said her actions were appropriate for the situation and that the school board makes physical force an option when necessary.

The protest is set to start around 4 p.m. on the steps of city hall.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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