Locals protest at Dogwood elementary school

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - More than two dozen locals, including parents, held a protest in front of Dogwood Elementary in Heber in support of the parents who accused a kindergarten teacher of slapping their child four times.

About 25 people protested in front of the school and were holding up signs, some saying "Justice for Autism."

“I organized this protest in support of the parents of the child who was affected... because I have two kids with autism that all have suffered of injustices, especially my son and I know they need all of the support,” said Veronica Rosas, parent and protest organizer.

The community later protested in front of the Heber Elementary School district, where the office of the superintendent is located.

A parent whose daughter also attends Dogwood Elementary says teachers should be protecting the children.

“My kid comes to school and she's going to be protected, and it doesn’t matter the condition of the kid. Ethnicity, race, every child needs to be respected and they have to be treated with dignity and love,” said Margot Duarte, a parent who attended the protest.

We reached out to Superintendent Juan Cruz and this is what he told us in a phone interview.

"The district does not comment on staff concerns personal issues or student matters. Overall we value and respect our student voices. Today as you know we have community members gather to express themselves at Dogwood and they were exercising their first amendment rights," said Juan Cruz, Heber Elementary School District Superintendent.

The community says they will continue to protest next week.