Baton Rouge School Administrator Faces Felony Charge for Allegedly Forcing Child to Clean Up Feces

(Baton Rouge, La.) – A school administrator has been charged with a felony following allegations that she forced a 6-year-old student to clean up her own feces after a bathroom accident caused by a dairy allergy. The incident reportedly took place in January at Rollins Place Elementary School.

Kristy Scott Gilpin voluntarily turned herself in to the East Baton Rouge Parish jail on Monday morning. She was charged with cruelty to juveniles, with a bond set at $25,000. Gilpin was released shortly after noon the same day.

Her attorney, John McLindon, stated that Gilpin maintains her innocence, claiming that the child's mother, Jamisha Augustine, has “grossly misrepresented” the events of that day.

Augustine had previously informed local news outlet WAFB that her daughter has a dairy allergy but still consumed milk for breakfast at school, resulting in her becoming ill shortly after. After multiple trips to the restroom, the young girl was allegedly denied permission to go again by her teacher. Augustine recounted that the child ultimately had an accident, after which she was told by the principal that she was “too big to be having accidents on herself.” The principal reportedly suggested that the child needed some form of discipline for the incident.

“Do y’all have janitors?” Augustine recalled asking. “She said they do, but she needed a form of discipline.” Augustine expressed outrage, questioning how a child could be punished for an accident.

Ben Necaise, superintendent of Zachary Community Schools, stated that he did not condone the actions of the teacher or principal involved. “You learn from mistakes,” he said. “A child should never be put in that situation to have to deal with that.”

Augustine described the incident as “irresponsible, hazardous, disgraceful, and really pathetic.” Although the school system later issued a formal apology, she believes that the matter requires more than words. “You [should] send a janitor in with the proper equipment,” she insisted. “But a 6-year-old kid, you are going to make them clean up poop without gloves. It’s disgraceful.”

In defense of Gilpin, McLindon alleged that the child intentionally smeared feces on the wall and floor, prompting the decision to have her clean up the mess. “This was a child that was engaging in bad behavior,” he argued. “She was given the proper wipes, and she cleaned it up, and that was the end of it.”

McLindon expressed concern for his client, stating that this arrest has had a devastating impact on her. He emphasized Gilpin’s positive standing in the community, noting that approximately 300 people showed support for her after the incident.

 Attorneys representing Augustine dismissed the claims that the mother’s account is inaccurate, stating, “Do you think the Zachary Police Department would pursue a felony warrant if this case was based on gross misrepresentations?” said attorney Ron Haley. “This is based on interviews and surveillance footage, not just a mother’s word.”

The ongoing situation highlights serious concerns about the treatment of students and the responsibilities of school authorities in handling sensitive incidents involving young children.