GREENVILLE, Texas – An investigation is ongoing after students at a North Texas middle school gave each other tattoos inside a classroom, raising serious health and safety concerns.
The incident occurred at Travis Intermediate School in Greenville ISD, located northeast of Dallas.
One parent, Ashley Armstrong, whose 11-year-old son Jordan received a tattoo, says medical testing is underway due to reports that the same needle was used on multiple students.
School District Responds
In response to the incident, Greenville ISD confirmed Thursday that several teachers have been suspended while the district conducts a full investigation.
“Teachers assigned to the classrooms where the incident allegedly occurred have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation,” the district stated on social media.
According to Greenville ISD, students used temporary ink but shared a single needle, which was passed among multiple classrooms. The district is now working with law enforcement to identify all students involved.
A Parent’s Concern
Armstrong was first notified by the school nurse on Tuesday and was advised to take her son for immediate lab testing.
Jordan’s arms now bear scabbing tattoos that read “I ❤️ my Lord” and “JC” on his hands.
“He has been punished at home—he knows better,” Armstrong said. “But my question is, how were students tattooing each other in a classroom without any teacher noticing?”
Her concerns go beyond discipline. She says her son told her that a classmate offered to tattoo him during class, with a teacher present.
“The same needle was used multiple times—across different classes,” Armstrong said. “It doesn’t matter if the ink is temporary; it was done with a needle, and that’s a serious health risk.”
Though initial test results came back negative for infections, Jordan will undergo additional medical evaluations next week as a precaution.
“This could have long-term effects on my son,” Armstrong added. “I’m not letting this go.”
Unanswered Questions
Several other parents have since reached out to Armstrong, saying their children were also tattooed. However, key questions remain unanswered:
- How many students were involved?
- How did the tattooing needle get into the school?
- Were any teachers aware of what was happening?
The district has not disclosed how many students were affected or the exact number of staff members placed on leave.
As the investigation unfolds, concerned parents are demanding accountability, while health experts warn of the potential risks associated with unsanitary tattooing practices.
