My son, who is usually very precise in his use of words, describes people like this teacher as evil and I thought this was too strong a word, but after looking up the definition, I think it might actually fit.

Hmm. . . Sounds like a TV show. And people say that what happends on TV doesn't affect children. I would like to hear the teacher's side, just to see what her reasoning was. Not that any reasoning would justify this.

I'm suspect that the teacher is dealing with her own mental health issue. She is obviously not thinking clearly.

I second Lorel's feelings on this issue, it's purely saddening. I can actually picture this little 5 year old boy repeating over and over: "I'm not special"
It gives me a sick feeling and I hope the parents and authorities follow through with child abuse charges.

That is just wrong. Anyone who cannot deal with a five year old has not business being a teacher. If there were issues with his behavior they needed to be dealt with in private and with the parents.

Also, if I were the parent of one of the children that "voted him out" I would be having a long discussion about kindness.

Good point!

Here is a link to the recording of the *other* heartbreaking incident where the parents decided to hide a tape recorder in their 5 y/o son's pants. Apparently, he was crying about school on a daily basis and, thank goodness, the parents trusted their instincts and ultimately this teacher was suspended. Warning: listening to this is heart-wrenching... but it is a good reminder to trust your gut when it comes to your kid.
http://www.wave3.com/global/Story.asp?s=8388558

Why didn't I think of putting a tape recorder in C-dog's pants?

grrrrrrr.

What do you think you'd have heard?

The devil?