A high school football coach is under investigation after the parents of one of his players complained that their son suffered severe bruising after the coach paddeled him.
According to Chron.com, corporal punishment is currently permitted under Port Arthur Independent School District policy unless a parent submits a written opt-out request.
Following the incident, the school board is now expected to reconsider that policy.
"The District takes concerns regarding student safety and the administration of student discipline seriously and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the reported incident," superintendent Mark Porterie said in Tuesday morning statement.
"My kids can receive corporal punishment if they misbehave in school, but call me first," Aaron Pellerin said in response to the district's statement. "They're gonna get it again the minute they get home. My kids know this. Might also be the reason they dont misbehave in school!"
"What concerns me is the lack of transparency with PAISD around that policy," Miranda Renee said on Facebook in response to the statement. "When something as serious as hitting a CHILD is an option, parents should not have to know the law exists and specifically ask how to revoke their consent."
A lawsuit challenging the district's policy was dismissed in March 2026. Port Arthur suded mother Robin Shields sued PAISD on behalf of her son, identified as John Doe. The complaint described Doe as nonverbal, autistic and living with sickle cell anemia. He was enrolled in Memorial High School’s special-education program.
