Casimier said she was told to get out of the coach’s office and that she was off the team. When Casimier returned to practice several days later, she was told she could not rejoin the team unless she submitted to a paddling or some other form of punishment, such as running laps.
On Monday, Alexander said Casimier is free to return to practice and rejoin the team and will not have to submit to punishment.
Although they aren’t opposed to corporal punishment, Casimier’s parents are angry that their daughter would be punished for another student’s behavior.
“Normally if there is any spanking or discipline, I’m the one to do it,” said Kevin Casimier, Mydia’s father.
The Casimiers said they supported their daughter’s refusal to take the paddling, even if it had meant that she would miss her senior year on the court and any scholarships that could follow.
“My mama told me I should stand up for what I believe,” Mydia Casimier said. “And I don’t think this is right.”