Yes the 9 year old should be able to question authority. This is America were u have the right to question anything. You teach your child to scream and run away, and get help when approched by a stranger. This teacher is someone the child trusted. What is this world comming to. People listen to your children. Dont let this go.... This situation may have been dropped so quickly because someone maybe covering something up. Mistakes happen, u just have to pay the price once your ever caught. Everything done in the dark will come to light..