Gilliard’s new T-shirt quickly became a topic of discussion in the Teachers’ Lounge. It clearly seemed like it should be banned but all it said was:© Y Lee Coyote
Proverbs
13:24
It clearly was not vulgar or obscene or inciteful. Surely to mention a bible verse was allowed under both free speech and religion. Perhaps if it was expanded it might be an issue.
* * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Paxton, the teacher who was in charge of athletics including regular gym classes wondered if the T-shirt legend could be some sort of signal related to corporal punishment. He had, over the years, noticed that some of the boys’ posteriors showed that they had been spanked, paddled or strapped.
Could it be a cry for help? Could it be a recommendation?
He would watch when the boys changed and showered to see if there were signs of abuse which required reporting to the CPS. He let Principal Raincrow know in case something else might occur.
* * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Raincrow worried that Gilliard or another student might wear a truly provocative T-shirt and had the students watched as they entered the school. It proved to be a good precaution for within just a week, one day before the first bell Gilliard was in his office because of his T-shirt.
Gilliard’s T-shirt was not obscene nor vulgar nor offensive but terriby inciteful. It read:
| I Got SPANKED last night Ask me why |
| Recto |
| Yes, Bare |
| Verso |
“That shirt is totally unacceptable Gilliard. It has earned you a detention today and I am confiscating it. Please take it off and put this plain one on. Pickup the note for your parents to sign later and request its return.”
Later Mr. Paxton observed that Gilliard’s buttocks had been severely beaten. He sent the boy to the school nurse who documented the appalling condition and applied some healing and smoothing creams.
As required by law the school notified CPS and Officer Vasquez was assigned to investigate.
* * * * * * * * * *
When Officer Vasquez got to the Gilliard’s house he hesitated ringing as he heard yelling. “You’re not wearing the shirt I told you to wear, boy. Now drop your jeans and bend over.”
“But…”
“NOW!”
And then there was the THWACK of a heavy strap and a yell of pain. Officer Vasquez made sure his shield was showing and his camera ready as he bust through the unlocked door. He was just in time to record the second violent cut. In his best command voice he yelled “STOP BEATING THAT BOY!” After a long, loud and heated discussion a couple of hours later all three were at the County Building which housed all the offices for the county.
Mr. Gilliard was fortunate that the Magistrate Sandström was immediately available. He heard the charges and saw the horrific result of the strap. Mr. Gilliard was given the option of going to trial with a possible felony charge or accept the judgement of the Magistrate Court. He chose the latter.
Sentencing was immediate. Magistrate Sandström severely chastised Mr. Gilliard. Then he received twenty-five cuts from his own strap administered by a large, strong officer. Additionally he was required to attend a parenting class and to preform fifty hours of community service while wearing an exposed T-shirt emblazoned:
Child
Abuser
both fore and aft.
Young Gilliard hoped that things would improve.