Teacher Plays High-Pitched 'Dog Whistle' Noise In Class To Punish Kids; Fired

A Texas school teacher was fired for using a high-pitched "dog whistle" noise in a classroom to punish her students.

The unidentified teacher was taking a class at the Leland Edge Middle School in Nevada on March 2 when she played a “dog whistle” YouTube video to discipline her students, according to the Community Independent School District. One of the students described the noise as “torture," according to the New York Post.

A student in the classroom informed the district police department about the teacher’s unusual punishment on the day of the incident. An investigation began, and the school district urged parents and students to contact an anonymous tip line to convey any information they have about the incident.

Zoey Lohrs, a middle-schooler who had to sit in the classroom while the teacher played the excruciating sound, said students tried to cover their ears from the high-pitched noise.

“She put on the ringing noise everyone was covering their ears,” Zoey told NBC 5. "One of them walked out of the classroom, one of them was yelling that it was torture and one was trying to unplug the computer."

The incident was particularly difficult for Zoey as she said she has a high sensitivity to high-pitched noises. She said such sounds can even trigger her migraines.

Her mother, Janice Lohrs, said Zoey’s sensitivity to high-pitched sounds is documented in the school and that the teacher was also well aware of it.

"I would understand if the teacher used it for a split second to gain the attention of the class but not for the excess of 40 minutes. Not when kids are begging you to stop," Janice told the outlet.

The mother said the school principal gave her a call right after the incident. Although she appreciated the call, the mother hopes the teacher will face appropriate action for the incident.

"I would really like her held accountable for her actions, this is not ok. You have my kid for eight hours a day. It's supposed to be a safe place," Janice added.

Community ISD said in a statement to the publication that the "district police are conducting an investigation into the alleged incident" and "student health, safety and security remains the highest priority for the district."

According to the New York Post, the school district said Tuesday that the teacher was fired and criminal charges against her are “possible.”

“The District will cooperate fully with local law enforcement agencies and the legal process,” their statement read. “While CISD wants to be as open and honest as possible, we cannot comment further on this matter until the ongoing investigation has been concluded."