Waco, Texas: Teacher Arrested for Alleged Mistreatment of Student

Amber Escamilla has found herself in a hazardous situation after being arrested on Tuesday for allegedly using a dog whistle to intimidate a six-year-old autistic student at Bell Hill Elementary in Waco, Texas according to KWTX.The 46-year-old educator has been in jail since Wednesday in lieu of $3,000 bail after being charged with injury to a disabled person—a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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Teacher Accused of Inhumane Treatment of Autistic Child in Waco

According to reports, a Waco Independent School District police detective was notified by Child Protective Services about possible abuse involving an autistic student at Bell Hill Elementary. The statement noted that Escamilla has been a teacher for 10 years and is considered a veteran in the education field. She and her family reportedly moved to Waco about a year ago.

Parents of Autistic Children in Waco Concerned After Dog Whistle Report

The report also stated that Escamilla used an electronic dog whistle on the child when she believed he was overstimulated. Following the allegations, Waco detectives spoke with the child’s parents, who said he had been provided with earmuffs to wear at school due to his sensitivity to sound. The child’s mother described the beginning of the school year as extremely stressful, noting that her son would come home crying because of loud noises like fire alarms, which caused him physical distress. Detectives later met with the school principal on April 23, who informed them she had recently confiscated the dog whistle from Escamilla.

Waco School Staff Under Scrutiny After Dog Whistle Allegations

Many local residents have expressed outrage, calling the educator’s actions highly unprofessional and inappropriate. Wendy Sledd, a spokesperson for the Waco Independent School District, confirmed that Escamilla is no longer employed with the district, where she had worked for less than a year. Sledd also stated, “The actions under review do not reflect the values or expectations we hold for our staff. Waco ISD remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. Our school district, police department, and staff are fully cooperating with the investigation to ensure all relevant information is carefully considered.”