Lawsuit says principal used excessive force

CHICKASHA, Okla. (AP) -- A Ninneka High School student and her mother have filed a civil suit claiming the school's principal used excessive force in paddling the student.<br><br>The lawsuit, filed

Saturday, April 3rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

CHICKASHA, Okla. (AP) -- A Ninneka High School student and her mother have filed a civil suit claiming the school's principal used excessive force in paddling the student.

The lawsuit, filed in Grady County District Court, alleges that Principal David Pitts paddled the female student hard enough to injure the girl.

The suit also alleges that, at one point in March, Pitts restrained the student with handcuffs.

Police began investigating the case after the student was taken by a parent to a doctor's office for her injuries. The doctor's office notified the Department of Human Services, who referred the case to the Ninnekah Police.

Chief Scott Miller said a preliminary report is being prepared, but Pitts has yet to be interviewed.

Pitts wanted to discuss the investigation with the school's attorney before agreeing to be interviewed by police, Miller said.

The lawsuit was filed against Pitt and the female teacher who witnessed the paddling. District Judge Richard Van Dyck has granted a temporary injunction that prohibits Pitt from administering corporal punishment to the student, being alone with her or interfering with her efforts to transfer to another school.

A tort claim has also been filed against the school. The Board of Education has 90 days to respond.