Wisconsin High School Staff Member Placed on Leave After Allegedly Feeding Nonverbal Student Dog Food

The incident is under investigation by both the Madison Police Department and the Madison Metropolitan School District.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Madison Police Department is investigating reports that a nonverbal high school student in Madison, Wisconsin was allegedly fed dog food by a staff member at their school on February 13. The student's parents reported the incident to the school district on February 24, and the staff member involved has been placed on leave while the district and police investigate the matter.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about the treatment and safety of vulnerable students, particularly those who are nonverbal and unable to easily report abuse or mistreatment. It also highlights the need for strong protocols and training around student supervision and care within the school district.

The details

According to the police, the incident occurred on February 13 at a local high school, but was not reported by the student's parents until February 24. The Madison Metropolitan School District has launched its own investigation into the matter and stated it has "zero tolerance for actions that compromise student safety and well-being." The staff member allegedly involved has been placed on leave, and the district says it will provide additional training to staff regarding snack protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • The incident allegedly occurred on February 13, 2026.
  • The student's parents reported the incident to the school district on February 24, 2026.

The players

Madison Metropolitan School District

The school district that oversees the high school where the incident allegedly took place. The district has launched an investigation and placed the staff member involved on leave.

Jaden

The nonverbal high school freshman who was allegedly fed dog food by a staff member at Madison East High School.

Debra Hawkes

The parent of the student Jaden, who reported the incident to local media outlets.

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What they’re saying

“The Madison Metropolitan School District takes student safety and well-being seriously. We have zero tolerance for actions that compromise student safety and well-being.”

— Madison Metropolitan School District (News 3)

“I was mad, I was sad, my heart was breaking. I was mad at everybody.”

— Debra Hawkes, Parent of student Jaden (Spectrum News)

What’s next

The Madison Police Department and the Madison Metropolitan School District are continuing their investigations into the incident.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident highlights the need for rigorous protocols, training, and oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, especially those who are vulnerable or nonverbal. School districts must take swift action to address any allegations of mistreatment and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.