IPSO responds to bus fight

BY HEATHER MILLER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:14 AM CDT

Five students from the Alternative Center for Education in New Iberia were arrested Friday afternoon following a fight that reportedly took place on a school bus in Iberia Parish.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call around 4:30 p.m. about a fight that the school bus driver and bus driver’s assistant were unable to control, said IPSO Information Officer Wendall Raborn.

When deputies arrived, the school bus, which was taking students to Jeanerette, was parked on the shoulder of Louisiana 182 between New Iberia and Jeanerette. Deputies removed the students suspected of fighting — five boys between the ages of 12 and 15 — from the school bus, Raborn said.

Five IPSO deputies are present when a man they identified as a drill sergeant at the Alternative Center for Education uses an open hand to strike a student Friday along Louisiana 182.

The students, who deputies lined up in the grass along the shoulder of the highway on their knees with their hands behind their head, were charged with disturbing the peace by fighting, brought to the sheriff’s office, then released into the custody of their parents, said Raborn.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” said Iberia Parish Superintendent Dale Henderson. “But when that kind of situation arises, we’re going to put the rest of the students’ safety foremost. We’re not going to tolerate that kind of behavior.”

A witness to the scene said a drill sergeant for the Alternative Center for Education also arrived on the scene and struck each of the students on the head with an open hand while deputies were present.

Deputies on scene reported that the man identified himself as the drill sergeant for the alternative school and said they saw him strike the students, Raborn said.

Henderson said the drill sergeant at the alternative school is Fernest Martin.

Henderson declined further comment on the incident Saturday afternoon and said he will first seek information from Martin and the interim principal at the Center for Alternative Education.

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Comments

Parent of a former Lee Streeter wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:33 PM:

" As a parent of a former Lee Street student, I can say that it is because of this drill sergeant that my child NEVER wants to cut up at school again because of how unpleasant PacMan made her experience. THANK YOU TO PACMAN!!! And to those who think ALL of these parents are not raising their children right, some of us are trying very hard and HAVE taught them right from wrong, but they are making poor decisions of their own. Sometimes months of punishment and countless butt whippings just dont do it.Peer pressure is has overtaken our_kids. "

Big brother is watching wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:49 PM:

" People who have children who attend the school there don't always lie. Some children attend the school for behavior problems that are a disability! Some parents are very active with their children! Some have cameras and have documented. I know a parent just like that. Be Careful! These children are sent to classes to teach them a different way & then they are struck and now are being told its ok to be struck. Some have had significant bruises. Tell the truth or the truth will come out. Well I know that with this family sooner than u think! "

Please wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:27 PM:

" These kids are at this school for a reason. They are their because they can not learn like normal children and requires special attention. Its better than sending them to jail at least they still get to learn. The parents of these children is not involved and that is the main problem with New Iberia. The parents want the teachers to teach and raised their children. If these kids could go to a normal school and behave like normal kids then we would not be discussing or dealing with these issues. "

My opinion wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:31 PM:

" Why are these children at the alternative school anyway? So many parents are upset because PacMan curses, is strict, and works the kids outdoors.

Answer the following questions:(TRUTHFULLY)
1. Has your child ever cursed?
2. Has your child ever had a fight with another student?
3. Does your child show respect to others?

And please don't say it could be MY CHILD. Believe me MY CHILD answers to ME..with RESPECT.

Keep up the good work Pac Man. SOMEONE needs to discipline these kids. "

Mrs. Ironic wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:02 AM:

" Ironic, It is obvious that you have a lot of free time on your hands since you have weighed in numerous times on this issue. I find it odd that you do not post your real name. How can someone running for re-election be so coward? Unless, perhaps, you are not the wizard but the man behind the curtain. "

Wow wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:05 AM:

" Is everyone missing this? After Mr. Martin's lies about the incident, I can tell you what he is. Another Thug in a suit. "

ridiculous wrote on Aug 25, 2008 6:22 PM:

" Oh My God People he just tapped the boys on the head for doing something very stupid and dangerous ,fighting on the bus is not good. They are old enough to know better. Now they will have to spend more time at lee st. for fighting. hooray to Mr. Martin "

To. TRG wrote on Aug 25, 2008 5:02 PM:

" Well said!!! I couldn't have said it better!! "

Robert Hines wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Just so you know Mr. Martin did not bond out Mr. Sias. It was Ms. williams who is a bonds person for a local bonding company. Mr. Ironic i suggest you write what you know and not what you think you know. That i can prove. "

TRG wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:54 AM:

" It is so tedious to go back and forth on what is right and wrong of Mr Martin. The fact of the matter is the problem is society as a whole. The school system fails the students when they label them, parents fail to become actively involved in their childrens education, and society accepts all the worldly issues such as drugs,gangs, bisexualism etc which is exposed in the school system by teachers and students. Alternative school is not a "bad" thing, it is a place to reinforce those who have fell out of line and still receive an education. "

To ironic wrote on Aug 23, 2008 8:37 PM:

" It's amazing how some people can just toss stone after stone at someone! Remember, we ALL live in glass houses, so we can not afford to throw stones. Why does ironic stop using that pseudonym and give his or her real name? What's so sad is that this person chooses to cowardly hide behind that name to drag the names of these men "through the mud". This man did his job and makes a difference in the lives of these kids. And as for Mr. Sias-innocent until proven guilty!!! By the way my name is Irene. "

ironic wrote on Aug 23, 2008 8:37 AM:

" I think it's important that the public know that this man running for office not only slaps other people children, but is the same man whom bonded out Mr. Sias on drug charges and counterfeit money!! What does this say about his character? "

J. Hebert wrote on Aug 22, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Hopefully the "smack in the face" was enough to get through to these kids. These alternative schools and measures are there to pick up where society and family failed to hopefully keep these kids out of prison. Whatever happened to the good ol' days when you knew better than to get into trouble for fear of manual punishment. Now society just takes away the x-box for the weekend and still hopes Child Services doesn't step in for mental anguish...Lol "

To not abuse.... wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:45 PM:

" Spanking your own child for disciplinary purposes is one thing, but 'Drill Sargeant' doing it to someone else's child is another.
You don't hear of any complaints from the parents of these boys. I guess that it means that they don't take the time to discipline their own children. They just leave that up to someone else to do. What a shame.... "

New New Iberian wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Kids aren't typically slapped / popped / struck for doing good. I've never heard of a kid bringing home an A+ paper and getting a whipping. My if these parents that are complaining would whip these BAD kids we wouldn't have this problem. Before anyone says something about BAD kids you don't get sent to A.C.E. (Lee St.) for being GOOD! "

Perry Leblanc wrote on Aug 21, 2008 2:57 PM:

" If this had happened while Sheriff Hebert was in office there would be tons of outrage against Hebert for his deputies doing nothing about this. These young punks surely deserved more than the smack in the head though so good going. The unfair thing about this situation is that if the guy smacking the punks was white the black community would be up in arms. There is a definite double standard in these situations. "

MR CLEAN wrote on Aug 21, 2008 2:14 PM:

" I find it very disturbing that Mr. Martin shows how he "cares about these boys" by hitting them. I also find it troubling that many people are condoning this. I hate to break it to many of you, but striking a kid breeds violence. It doesn't deter violence and bad behavior, as some of you hard-liners suggest. "

ironic wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:52 PM:

" to Morris, Landry and Vines you people obviously don't have children of your own, because had you, i'm sure it wouldn't be ok for this man or anyother man to "strike" or "tap" your child. The situation was already under control when the drill sargeant showed up. And if the true concern is the safety of the children, he would have allowed the deputies to continue doing their job so they could remove the children from the side of the road. "

everyonehasone wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:02 PM:

" I find it amusing about the poor "innocent" children. They are in reform school, being stopped because they were fighting on the school bus. They are from 12 to 15. If they do not know what is right and wrong they never will. This is like the poor 13 that was hurt in the robbery and then released to his parents, who less than 2 weeks later is robbing again at 4 AM. The parents do not care. The kids do not care. Take the gloves off and disipline them hard. "

wiseone wrote on Aug 21, 2008 12:39 PM:

" I have personally observed Mr. Martin go out of his way and on his own time outside of school to speak to some youngsters who have made bad choices while in school. He is attempting to get to these kids and help them. He was obviously disappointed in them and tried to get heir attention. A light slap on the head meaning "think about what you are doing" is not out of order in my book. I see coaches do this to their players all of the time. "

not abuse wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:41 AM:

" First of all, its not abuse, its discipline, there is a big difference. When picking my 4 year old up from daycare one day he made a beeline and ran toward the road, I ran after him grabbed him and spanked him right there, a police car had stopped in the road, fear that he would have ran in front of his car. I spanked my child in front of a police officer, nothing was said because it was discipline! A good butt whooping will help a child in the long run. He doesnt run to the road anymore. "

Wilberton wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:39 AM:

" I am also a parent of a child that attends that school. I'm tired of hearing THEY DESERVED IT because they are in this school. I use to spank my kid on the rear, IT DID NO GOOD. She is now 15 and a lil to big to be spanking so for all those that think hitting your kid will solve everything YOUR WRONG! Discipline is RIGHT for a child but not by someone other than the parent! This is NOT OKAY in anyway regardless of how he did it, He still touched those kids OF SCHOOL GROUNDS! UNACCEPTABLE. "

Morris wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:42 AM:

" I'm glad some of you are on Mr. Martin's side, but I think everyone is missing the point. There is a difference between "striking" a person and tapping them. How about we get a statement from the officers that were present...who heard & saw the event take place. What I see is an exageration of the story to make it appealing to the audience & make a front page story. Pacman cares for these kids & tries hard to teach them how to be civil; he wouldn't "strike" them as the article implies. "

concerned parent wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:25 AM:

" First off I have a daughter that goes to that alternative school, and I am hearing people posting comments about the parenting of those kids, just because those kids go there does not mean that they are not getting the proper guidance at home because as parents we can only hope that our children practice the morals that we teach at home. In my opinion yes they need discipline and guidance but the kids are not crazy and when they see the leaders of their school not handling themselves like professionals and with respect they figure why should they. "

JMO wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:46 PM:

" The saddest thing here is..
It is very obvious those that applaud this act also hit thier own children in the head. Looks like we have a bunch of child abusers in New Iberia. I wish they would try that in front of those very same officer's. See how fast they hit the ground. Maybe then they would realize it is NOT OK to abuse children by hitting them in the head and publicly degrading them. SICK SICK PEOPLE! "

Christine Landry wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:13 PM:

" For those of you who read the paper but know nothing more about the man Fernest Martin,its easy to jump to conclusions about his behavior. The fact is "Pac Man" dedicates and donates his time to helping these same kids he is accused of hitting. It may have escaped many of you readers but he responded to that situation after he was already off the clock. Why? Because he cares about those boys. He was caught in a moment of disappointment, but we who know the man know where his heart was; and so do the boys. "

Proud Parent wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:43 PM:

" I have a 5 year old child and i say if she was in an alternative school and she was in the same situation i say bust her up side her head too! First off if they wasnt bad kids they wouldnt need to be in an alternative school in the first place. whats the problems. OH WE ALL KNOW!! THE PARENTS. LOL that is so funny. its most likely the parents that are defending these children. I wish that they did still have the paddling rule at school. because anytime that my child would get out of line i-say-bust-that-a**! "

K. Oubre wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:26 PM:

" 1Didn't anyone ever tell you people not to believe everyting you read in the papers? The truth to the story is that Mr. Martin did not "slap" these kids in the head. He "tapped" them on the top of the head and stated to them "Use your head." There is a big difference. These kids don't "need to be slapped" as someone suggested. They need to be trained on how to be civil. If you are trully concerned citizens, you would come to ACE to see how dedicated Pac is to these kids. "

Stephanie Vines wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:20 PM:

" The Daily Iberian reported that "a drill sergeant from ACE struck each of the students on the head with an open hand while deputies were present." A follow-up story should be written by the same paper to inform the public that the same drill sergeant, Fernest Martin, had spent several hours on Friday riding a school bus with the students from ACE in an attempt to teach them the appropriate way to ride a bus. What many don't know is that "Pacman" is tirelessly dedicated to these same students that others have written off. Thank you Pac. "

To Ironic wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:11 PM:

" Whether or not the officers witnessed him striking the kids, why did they do absolutely nothing about his behavior, but witness it? Apparently, they noticed nothing out of the ordinary, or they would have promptly arrested Mr. Martin. Get over it! And simply because he is "friends/coworkers" with Mr. Sias means absolutely nothing. Your friends are perfect, huh? Ever considered innocent until proven guilty? Simply doing his job, that's all I see. I'm sure you live in a glass house. Please don't throw stones. The police officers pictured were simply looking on. Couldn't have been too bad!! "

Anon wrote on Aug 20, 2008 3:42 PM:

" It's obvious that the teenagers involved in the fight NEEDED to be slapped! Apparently their parents are not doing a good enough job. I applaud the drill sergeant for slapping them and the deputies for taking them into custody. Unpunished crimes only lead to more brazen crimes and more losers. The boys got what they deserved! "

Resident of Jeanerette wrote on Aug 20, 2008 3:08 PM:

" And Martin wants to run for city marshall. Yeah right!! He had nerve to even put his picture in the Jeanerette Enterprise. I hope he loses his job. No one should hit another person's child ever!! "

Judge Not wrote on Aug 20, 2008 3:02 PM:

" Mr. Martin, just a few words, God never sleeps!! And that old saying, what goes around, comes around!! "

big deal wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:29 PM:

" Leave Pacman alone. It's obvious that he's using a discipline technique.He popped everyone of them not jst one or two. So he didn't single out anyone. He made them all accountable. pTheir parent's should have done the same years ago. "

Master Sparks wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:18 PM:

" To "House wife" That's what I;m talking about! How about some fair play. "

Robert Hines wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:04 PM:

" It's amazing how you people can write all sorts of lies,but yet instead you hide your identity. Why don't you place your name and defend yourself in court when Mr. Martin files a slander or defamation suit against you. You know better. For example the person that states Mr. Martin broke her neice's arm. That never happened. I can attest to that and can prove it. Talk about a place where there once were a large number of fights. We had only two last year w/ no injures involving 9 and 10 yr. olds.Oh!128 students returned to their school. "

TT wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:35 PM:

" To all you people in this forum that disagree with the slap these children recieved are probably the parents of the next felons...Discipline your children and quit waiting for someone else to do it. And quit complaining about all the crime in our area when you the parent are just as responsible for not wanting you children to be disciplined...Get A Life and correct your kids and teach them to quit acting like animals.. "

ironic wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:13 PM:

" If the scene was under control and the fight was over, why did this man even stop? Didn't he see all the sheriffs' deputies there? Looks like to me as if he interferred with their duties. I wouldn't think that his position with the schoolboard would even carry a badge or commission. So wouldn't we like to know what in the world he thought he was doing? "

housewife wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:42 AM:

" ok for this man to do this..... He likes to hit on kids I would love for him to try that with someone who can defend thereself and see what they would do to him "

housewife wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:40 AM:

" This is sick this man thinks that he can just go around and hit peoples kids. That is not he place.. And another thing I have a nice that goes there and just last year he linedrove her and she had marke there was another child that he through on the hood of a car and broke her arm and how is this right.. So what yall(everyone defending this man) are saing is that I can go and slap one of your childern and it would be ok (NO YOU WOULD PUT CHARGES ON ME) stpo saing that it is "

ironic wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:46 AM:

" I understand that the "drill sargeant" is a friend/co-worker of the principal that recently was arrested for cocaine, marijuana, and counterfeit money. Well that might explain his behavior on the side of the road. Maybe the schoolboard should consider drug testing him. "

New New Iberian wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:05 AM:

" They should have done more then slap them on the head! These kids shouldn't even be riding a school bus to school. They should make the parents bring them to school. Heck, they aren't even in "school" they were EXPELLED from there "school" and go to an ALTERNATIVE to SCHOOL. Let's inconvience these parents and stop bus service to the Alternative School. It would eliminate this situation! "

What I see wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:39 PM:

" What I see in the picture, the kids are not fighting. They are submissive. Hands behind their head on their knees. At what point do they need to be "smacked?" The "scene" is under control, the fight is over. To walk up to someone in this position and hit, smack, thump, tap, whatever...is NOT right. To yell, shout, or scream would have been more politically correct in this day and age. As a former police officer Mr. Martin knows this. Granted they might be problem children, but can you tell who was fighting by the photo? "

AC wrote on Aug 19, 2008 2:00 PM:

" No jobs? Are you serious? Go to any fast food resturant and see if they have jobs. They just dont have jobs people want. TOUGH! grow up and get a job and stop breaking the law. They should have done more than slap these kids around. What if the fight would have caused the driver to wreck killing people? Does no one think of that? These kids need to be thrown in jail for a few months and let Bubba handle them! "

ironic wrote on Aug 19, 2008 1:07 PM:

" To Precious, you obviously did not even read the article, it states the following "Deputies on scene reported that the man identified himself as the drill sergeant for the alternative school and said they saw him strike the students, Raborn said." And you do know that Raborn is the spokesman for the I.P.S.O. So instead of you implying that this "witness" is not credible, how can that be when the witnesses are 5 deputies? And of course the person with the camera does not need to be a credible witness, due to the "camera" does not lie!!!!! "

marion wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:48 PM:

" It is right there in the picture. His hand swinging at that boy's head. Seems to me the photographer is a good witness with proof in the picture "

Precious wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:42 AM:

" How ironic! A "witness" to the scene, "saw" the drill sergeant "strike" the kids with an open hand. Who is this "credible" witness? Italics are placed here for a reason. We don't know if this statement is even true. Newspapers and news stations want EXCITEMENT! It is what sells! The truth be told, he seemed to be doing a fine job, and the officers who are in a position to arrest anyone committing a crime,would have arrested Mr. Martin on the scene,if he were being abusive!I'm confident of that!A good "smack" made me a better person!! Good job! "

Ms. Price wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Someone should interfere with these kids lives. Racism is alive and well in New Iberia. There are no jobs and there is nothing positive for the kids to do in New Iberia. there are many young mothers and single parents in the area. Someone needs to give these kids some sense of direction. Why must we continously have to put these kids into the penal system. Aren't the jails crowded enough in New Iberia? "

Master Sparks wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:49 AM:

" A rose is a rose . An assult,an assult. To cowardly strike at someone, a minor, wreaks of abuse. Black ,white, red, yellow, it doesn't matter. There's a right way to handle this. Violence begets violence. When you go from spanking for an infraction, to using your hand to strike a person in the head, you've gone over the limit. I tottaly agree a stiff penalty should be administered. Have you never heard "cooler heads" prevail. Had he been there to actually stop the fight ,yes, use all means to control it.This was pre-meditated, and after the fact. Bullying "

Old Time Cop wrote on Aug 19, 2008 5:27 AM:

" I remember when the Nuns would spank me with a ruler wheh I would talk back.

I remember when my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Johnson hit me over the head with a yard stick.

I remember when a TEACHER would TELL me what to do.

I REMEMBER a world in which parents could trust in other adults to disipline students.

I remember when *I* was the kid fighting. "

ncis fan wrote on Aug 19, 2008 4:27 AM:

" picture to me looks no different then Gibbs givin a slap on the back of the head of his "people" to say what the heck is goin on....that the situation is "stupid to what u done for not thinking"...dont know the man but he must b doing something right with the kids or u all would not have put him in the job he has...think with ur heads not your mouths louisiana...a trait of all...here in louisiana "

Clarence wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:36 AM:

" Fernest, Don't interfere with the Sheriff's office. They know how to handle a fight involving kids. Fernest is not a commisioned law enf officer, security guard, and has no arrest powers whatsoever. He also does not have the authority to strike any one's child. They're about to make an example out of you so get ready. never ever hit anyone's child. Absolutely no one has the authority to hit anyone's child La.R.S. 14:35 simple battery-serious. School Board, Sheriff's office,
Da's Office, Court system then Jail and of course a civil lawsuit are some things you will be facing. "

Believe It or Not wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:21 AM:

" Master Sparks nobody's coming. Not Jessie, not Sharpton, not Obama, not even Rev. Brown of the Pink Panther Party. That was a CORRECTIVE measure. Those little angels got smacked by someone of their own ethnic origin. Nobody's protesting from any neighborhood. It is what it is. Did you hear of anyone lining up to file complaints about what happened to those angels today? I'll tell you. NOPE! "

Fred p. wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:02 AM:

" No! Fernest is not a law enf officer. He has no arrest powers.What he did Friday was very wrong. The kids kneeling on the side of the road with their hands behind their head were complying with his so-called orders. The only entity(s) that can discipline is the court system or the school board. Neither of these entities use physical force to discipline. Nor do the police use physical force to discipline. Fernest struck (5) small kids with force. this is absolutely horrible. No parent would approve of him slapping their child. Kids fight on bus, Fernest slaps them. Horrible. "

brandy wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:20 PM:

" hey jeanerette voter.. maybe you got a point there.. you kno.. this is EXACTLY who jeanerette needs for city marshall. i would hate to see how jeanerette would be if u were!! come on guys look it is now.. clean up that place a make is worth living in!! get rid of the violence and the drugs.. and another thing.. who ever brought up this racial crap.. i see nothing here racial at all except the people still trying to make it racial.. its called a GROWN UP taking charge.. like those parents should be doing!!! "

ashley wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:16 PM:

" and one more thing.. everyone has always got something to say.. but guys look at your own home, and learn where you are making your own mistakes raising your own kids!! and you wonder why society is the way it is these days... a good ole spanking never hurt anyone.. maybe it will do those kids some good!! "

Ashley wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:13 PM:

" First of all.. i do not believe the kids were "striked", maybe just a gestered snug.. i mean come on guys who doesnt tell their kids "what were u thinkin" with somewhat of a gestured slap when they do something sot stupid as this.. this guy is a "DRILL SEARGENT" what did u think he would do.. ask them please dont do it again..lmao.. i for one i DO NOT think this guy should lose his job.. he is having to tie up the slack that these parent arent doing at home.. "

So sick of the racial thing wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:03 PM:

" Here we go again. Why does EVERY topic on this forum take a racial turn? People please. Children of all races attend alternative schools. It does not matter. These "children" were disciplined, something sorely lacking in todays society. What does it matter if the children or the drill sergeant are black? People we can do better than this. In the end, the truth will be told, but for the record, I disipline my kids at home, the way the Bible teaches me to. This black/white thing is sickening!!! "

Ronald S. Davis wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:30 PM:

" I have a friend who lives with me and my family. She and her children are strugling to make ends meet. But, besides the point.one of the siblings is enrolled in this school.The child informed us that the drill sergeant said he will make the paper again.Such acts is apalling that this school can't fallow it's own guidance and council. "

Parental Responsibility wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:55 PM:

" There is a racial double standard as to who and how certain people can discipline children. Parents of black students don't seem to mind their kids being spanked, so long as it's a black teacher. I know first hand how difficult these children can be and feel Mr. Martin did what he needed to do. It's time parents step up and start raising their children instead of waiting for educators to do it! "

MR CLEAN wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:33 PM:

" I saw the picture on here and I can see a few kids. I have never heard of the man who allegedly struck the kids and I don't know his race - nor do I know the race of all of the kids (saw a few of them and they were black).

I'm white, but that's beside the point. The drill sargeant should be fired ASAP and he's lucky to get off with that. What's right is right, regardless of the races of the people involved. "

unreal wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:27 PM:

" I'm a parent of a child that attends Lee st. She was only suppose to be there for a few weeks but ended up there most of last year and is still there. I never believed her when she would tell me these terrible stories of the abuse that goes on. When a kid is on their knees with hands behind head WHY WOULD YOU HIT THEM? To the people that think it's okay to hit someone elses kid in the head, I'm guessing you hit your kid in the head too or you dont HAVE ANY KIDS???? "

T BLANC wrote on Aug 18, 2008 3:05 PM:

" I agree with "The law is the law". Had it been a Caucasian slapping these kids the NAACP & the Revs would waste no time marching down here to protest, picket & scream "RACISM"! "

Master Sparks wrote on Aug 18, 2008 2:10 PM:

" Well get ready, they're coming! NAACP, Jessie, Sharpton, the Rev., ACLU, the marchers, protestors. This "Major Pain" went past his bounderies. Yes the kids need disipline,but not assult and battery. And these "Deputies" allowing it! The Sargent is guilty, caught on film. Is he still employed? Now he's judge ,jury and exicutioner. It's hard to believe his hat still fits on his head. 2 wrongs don't make it right and I'm White. The school board best have some good insurrance or deep pockets! The boards selection committe sure needs an overhaul. Their hand picked "characters" are making headlines regulary "

oh here we go wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:26 PM:

" What is wrong in todays society is that we are not allowed to correct our children, they holler child abuse. Some children need a spanking mind you i said not beaten. If more parents corrected their children like we were corrected growing up we may not have this problem. We never had these problems growing up, we were taught this was unacceptabe behavior. Is it ok for the school system to correct our children but not us? "

MR CLEAN wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:20 PM:

" This is outrageous. These kids were acting out and need to be disciplined, but this Mr. Martin should be fired immediately. He has no right to strike these kids, regardless of whether they are National Honor Society or Alternative School. They are students regardless.

If these allegations are true, I hope the parents of these kids do everything it takes to have this man removed from his job. "

Things that make you say hmm wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:13 PM:

" Is it me, or does it appear that a few of our deputies might need to make fewer visits to Mickey D's drive thru? "

To the Bleeding Hearts wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Let's call the waaaambulance for those who think this is child abuse. Slap a band-aid on that bleeding heart for goodness sake. A lack of dicipline in our culture today is what is wrong with our youth. There is a difference in child abuse, to punch your child for no reason is abuse but to slap as a form dicipline is not! And if any lawsuits arise from this, the IPSB should countersue these kids' parents for endangering the lives of everyone on board the bus. "

I dont agree wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I don't agree with children being hit in the head but I do believe that schools should be able to paddle like when we were in school. I know when I was in school if the class acted up you all got in the front of the class held your hand open and the teacher would take a ruler and slap each one of us on the palm of our hand. You thought twice about acting stupid again if not you got a paddling from the principal. That's what's wrong with kids today. NO DISCIPLINE!!! I have kids in schoolandIsignpermissionforcorrection. "

I didnt see any child abuse here wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:00 PM:

" To: Two Wrongs. The first wrong was the boys fighting on the bus endangering not just the others on the bus but any vehicle passing by. The second wrong would have been if nothing would have been done. I say boot camp for the boys, kudos to the Sgt. That was not child abuse in the since that ya'll are thinking, it's the child abusing those around them thinking they can get away with it. Seems to me that it's way past time to put the crunch on them. Marine Corps...style-Boot-Camp $300,for-3 months...It-costs-more-than-that-to-meet-their-needs-at-home...oooyah... "

Attention Seeker wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:43 AM:

" Fernest likes to do things for attention. He probably hit them just to show off. That is the type of person he is. He will make jokes and degrade people in front of others to make himself look good. But in the end, God never sleeps. "

Child Abuse wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:42 AM:

" If it was a teacher, principal, or nurse hitting a child in the head they would scream child abuse. Being Head D.I. does not give him that right. Keep in mind, this is a man that thinks he rules the world and that he is unstoppable. He can't serve as a role model to these young males because he carries himself in a negative manner. Those boys need positive males in their lives. "

About Time wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Mr. Martin goes above and beyond to prove his holds the power. He joked about Mr. Sias making the paper and now he has made the front page also. He not only strikes kids but uses profanity towards them and staff. Whatever! Some people should hear the horror stories of students and staff that have to deal with him. Just because the students are at-risk does not give anyone the right to treat them different from students at a regular school. He needs to be a positive role model for these kids. By the way, he couldn't control his own. "

the law is the law... wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:46 AM:

" It doesn't matter what the kids were doing....there are laws in place for a reason. Why couldn't the deputies been given a chance to take care of the situation? I guess if 'Drill Sergeant" was a caucasian man hitting non-caucasian boys, more people would be hooping and hollering about abuse, battery, etc. What goes around comes around... "

Serv Supv wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:00 AM:

" I couldn't agree more with e martin. My hat's off to "Drill Sergeant". We need more people like that in our school system. People are too afraid these days of lawyers and law suits, so we're being forced to deal with a bunch of uncontrollable children. If parents were held accountable for their children's actions, believe me, we'd see a change. It's a shame that these kinds of incidents occur day in and day out in school systems around the country. Fixing what's wrong with this country starts at home. "

marion wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:34 AM:

" While I agree that these kids need strong discipline I think striking a student is not appropriate. A drill sargent would have disciplined his soldiers by making them do physical work. Running and pushups until they threw up. This case here is not what a drill sargent is or should be. Discipline the drill sargent, too. "

Angered wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:03 AM:

" It is so easy to pass judgement when you aren't the one being accused. Do you really know the whole story? Walk in Officer Fernest's shoes for one day, and then pass judgement. Let those who live in glass houses throw the first stone. "

Blanc wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:50 AM:

" They should have hit them over the head with a bat! "

I know first hand wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:47 AM:

" I know both Mr. Martin and probably know each and every one of the kids involved. Chances are most of these kids have already been in and out of detention a few times. Trust me people these kids are out of control and he seems to be the only one who is able to control them. If the parents would do the job they are supposed to do then they would not have to rely on a drill instructor to do the correcting for them. "

Just a guess wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:23 AM:

" I would think that the parents of these students signed a waiver allowing the school staff to "spank" their children. Therefore they were "spanked" in the heads and hopefully they will feel it and stop acting like monkeys and start acting like humans "

nameless wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:04 AM:

" Oh yeah. I'm sure there will be people all up in arms because Mr. Martin "hurt" them. When I went to school it was no big deal to have the teacher go down the aisle and wop us upside the head. Maybe that's what missing in schools. "

Good wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:33 AM:

" What is the problem here? Makes sense to me, these kids need discipline. The parents need some discipline too. Mr. Martin I salute you. "

Juvenile Jokes wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:19 AM:

" I agree, these boys should've received more slaps growing up and maybe they wouldn't be in this situation. Discipline not abuse - there is a difference. Go Drill Sargeant! Too bad every single one of them will probably file a lawsuit - the parents will want to get paid. Like a slap to the head will really cause them any mental anguish. Probably hurt the guys hand more. "

a worried parent wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:07 AM:

" I do not care what those kids did, to hit on them is unacceptable! Those are not his kids and he has ZERO right to touch them. I would press charges on him for touching my kid, How is hitting a kid in the head teaching them anything but IT'S OKAY to put your hands on other people? I really hope This school gets SHUT DOWN because it seems the people running it are 10 times worse than the kids in it! "

Take notice wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:28 PM:

" I certainly hope none of these parents file any lawsuits. Be grateful someone cares enough about your children to give them a smack. You don't want to visit them in jail someday. Don't ever uphold there wrong doings, believe me! "

To e martin wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:15 PM:

" The "pop in the head" came after the situation was under control. So why was it necessary? To embarrass the children? To make YOU feel like a big man for being able to so say "control" these children? You know what, had you been on that bus and "popped them in the head" while they were fighting, I could ALMOST understand. If it was to make them stop before the bus crashed. But, I am thinking your blow to the head method to make yourself look like a BadA$$ in front of the other 5 bigshots standing by giggling. STILLTHINKABUSEISABUSE! "

sick to my stomach wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:10 PM:

" And before all you Saints start ranting off about these kids deserve it and more. How can you say that? Maybe their parents deserve it, but not an innocent child that was raised this way. They need to be taught better, not treated like they are nothing but animals that just anyone can beat on! "

two wrongs dont make a right wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:08 PM:

" This is SICK. Child abuse is child abuse no matter WHAT the CHILD has done. You NEVER strike a child in his head. YOU go try that with your own child in public in front of 5 officers and see if they don't throw you on the ground. Looks like they think this particular case is funny though. Is that the drill Sargent in the picture with the hat on? It appears as though his hand is extended towards the 1st boys face and the boy appears to be turning his head to block his face. "

Southern Fried Brain wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:07 PM:

" DISTURBING THE peace! THAT'S IT!
How about "reckless endangerment", Threatening, Assault, risk of injury to a minor,etc. What kind of charges can be filed for distracting the bus driver? Or engaging the driver and attendant in a fight?
As for the Drill Seargent, IF that is accepted at ACE, then everyone SHUT-UP!
Oh, those poor "children"{yeah, I can hear you liberals whining}, What are you talking about! They are off to an alternative "school" because of behavioral problems!
What would you say if they caused an accident? Let's see, big bus vs. small car! Driver's fault? NOT! "

one who knows wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:25 PM:

" I know from dealing with kids like this that they don't understand anything other than what they got. They are used to being "popped" whenever they do something wrong at home and only understand that consequence. I think more deliquents should be smacked around because then they'll get a feeling for life in the big house. "

things that make you go mmm wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:56 PM:

" i see that the disturbance happened on a bus and was takened off the bus on to a parish right of way, did this man take his authority off of schoolboard property/campus and took the law into his own hands sounds like someone owes explanation. I hate to see him with too much authority. "

To Jeanerette voter wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:04 PM:

" Read the law a little bit better sir. You have to have a complainant to file charges. It is my understanding there are only a few charges that an officer doesn't need a complainant such as narcotics, DWIs, Domestic battery, homicide, etc. Simple battery is not one. A parent would have to request charges to be filed. Example: If me and a friend was standing in a house and an officer saw him from the sidewalk punch me in the face I would have to exit my house and tell the officer I wanted to file charges. "

To the uninformed wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:56 PM:

" To Sgt. Martin, "Kudos to you sir!." Those children need that tough love that they likely don't get in their home life. You are probably their only figure of authority in their lives. A slap on the side of the head is probably what was needed to get their attention after they could have made the driver of the bus lose control and kill innocent children. I fully support what actions you took. I think there would be alot less crime if we would let those deputies administer a few slaps to some of adult criminals heads! "

Parent from Jeanerette wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:51 PM:

" GO Pacman, I am glad someone was able to stop this fight and get the individuals under control. Would you rather someone discipline your child or have to identify your child in a body bag? Do the parents of these student realize that their children had put other individuals lives in danager. If the bus driver would have gotten into a wreck and killed someone what would have happened? I am a single parent and I must admit I want the neighborhood to help me with my children, just as long as they are not killed, yes discipline
them. "

question wrote on Aug 17, 2008 6:34 PM:

" Did a witness reported it to the deputy. One part say the witness reported it, the other say the deputy saw it. Whats going on. Was this itness part of Steven Falterman scandal again. I think so. These kids need more than a slap, they need to be beat for the trouble they cause. Good job Mr. Martin at least you was there. By the way if it was between Jeanerette and New Iberia where was Mr. Falterman that is his area. We never see him until election time. "

erath dog wrote on Aug 17, 2008 5:14 PM:

" Well, I guess you have to fight fire with fire. Hat's off to the drill sargeant, sounds like he could appeal to the bad boys sense of pain. This is where you start with little juvenile fools like that. Now the little fools will probably get rewarded with damages, because the drill sargeant violated their rights to fair treatment.
This drill sargeant is probably their last hope of getting back on track. A pity he'll probably be penalized for slapping them. "

e martin wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:54 PM:

" These children are in an alternative school because this is their last chance before juvenile jail. They have to learn that consequences must be made for bad behavior, which is why they were taken out of the normal school system. They have chosen not to follow rules and now it is carrying on in regular society. What else can we do? A pop on the head was a lot less than the bus driver loosing control of the bus and having them all die or be seriously injured in a accident! Rules have to be followed, regardless!!!! "

Wheres the problem wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:38 PM:

" There's something wrong when these kids going to an alternative school still feeling like they can act like this. Stuff like this needs to be investigated. The school, the home, the friends they hang out with. There's a root problem and if someone cares enough about these kids they will find it. They are way too young to be acting out so aggressively like this, there must be a reason somewhere. When my son became aggressive, I sent him to boot camp for 3 months in Alexandria. He later thanked me for it. "

cajun wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:25 PM:

" They neeed more then a slap on the head if you ask me thats whats wrong with them,if you want be bad then you get treated bad !!!!!!!!!!! "

Spare the rod spoil the child wrote on Aug 17, 2008 11:56 AM:

" Good job, Mr. Fernest Martin! An open hand to the head was not even close to what these students needed. Many people will try to use this against him in his run for Marshal, but a drill sergeant is just what it is, a drill sergeant. Parents who send their kids to boot camps and alternative schools for behavior that "regular" schools can't control, expect this from the superiors. If the fight was unable to be controlled, and it took THAT many officers pictured, to control the situation, i'm sure these kids didn't even feel that open-handed "lick"! "

Ronald S.Davis wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:54 AM:

" I think that now that the IPSO agree's that,that was a wrongfull act. Appropriate action should be in order weather it's the student,parent,teacher,drill sergeant,or who ever else that feel's they should over step the laws permitted. "

Shocked wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Isn't striking someone, abuse or battery. It's not ok for the kids to be fighting, but it is ok for the deputies to stand there and let a man strike someone elses children. Something is wrong here. This is horrible!! "

Why do we tolerate this wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Why are these kids even in school? Send them to jail for a while. Or even better hold the parents accountable. "

working class wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:22 AM:

" Wow they got slapped,a bunch of juvenile delinquents.I guess them punching each other out and risking other riders lives means nothing because they got slapped!Maybe if thier parents had smacked thier butt a few times they woundnt be getting arrested. "

Jeanerette Voter wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:22 AM:

" Drill Sergent what a joke. Fernest Martin also a candidate for Jeanerette City Marshal. He slapped these young adults very unprofessional and this guy was a law inforcement Officer he should know better. He should have been charged right then and there. This is called Simple Battery under Louisiana Law. LARS 14:35 read the law. will the School Board let him get away with this. Is this what Jeanerette wants for City Marshal i do not think so. Jeanerette voters think before you vote. "

About Time wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:53 AM:

" You go Mr. Martin!
Maybe if they would have gotten more direction before today they would not be going to school for troubled teens!
Lets hope the parents of these boys take charge and Thank you for doing your job and not turn this into just another ploy for a payout. "

don wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:40 AM:

" It's apparent that those kids needed more than just a slap to the head. the parents needs to be corrected too. The Drill sargent is probably doing his job don't blame no one but those knickle head kids for the disturbance. "

pacman pacman pacman wrote on Aug 17, 2008 6:29 AM:

" Boy, this will make PacMan's run for office a smooth one. I see a lawsuit coming on.... "

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IPSO responds to bus fight

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