Angry families have launched legal proceedings against a school after nearly 20 students suffered life-threatening injuries after they allegedly “tortured” them by making them do 300 to 420 push-ups in class. A lawsuit filed in Texas, US alleges that the head football coach of Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA) in San Angelo ordered a class to perform “continuous, whistle-driven push-ups for the entire class period, approximately 45 minutes or more, without water, rest or breaks.”
The filing continues to claim that approximately 80 students participated in grueling physical training while five coaches walked among them “reprimanding any child who showed signs of fatigue.” Legal documents allege that the next day the students were unable to raise their hands to eat, brush their teeth or even dress themselves.
According to Atlanta News First, the punitive exercise routine continued for two more days.
The news site reported The lawsuit reads: “This case is about adults who tortured children. When the children fell, the coaches ordered them to get up and continue.
“When the kids screamed in pain, the coaches mocked them for being weak. When the kids begged to stop, the coaches whistled and demanded more. The gymnasium doors were locked. The kids were trapped. And not a single adult in the building lifted a finger to help them.”
It is reported that the extreme exercise regime began on 25 February and that 20 children received hospital treatment between 27 February and 2 March. It is unclear what the age range of the youth involved was.
Attorneys for the families said many were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious, potentially life-threatening syndrome that results from the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle. The lawsuit says the damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream, which can cause kidney and organ damage.
Curtis Milborn, TLCA School’s director of compliance, told school officials: “Due to pending litigation, as well as HIPAA, FERPA, and employment law considerations, we are unable to comment on the specifics of the allegations.
“The safety, health and education of our students remains our top priority, as reflected in our timely response to the underlying situation. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment where students can grow, learn and succeed.”
According to the NHS, children should exercise safely and should get medical advice about exercise if they have any health conditions. The health body also advises that children should do exercise that is appropriate for their age, ability and experience and that they should start any new exercise slowly and build up to it little by little.
