Texas Teacher Files Police Report After $300 Hello Kitty Collectible Is Stolen By Student: ‘I Mean Business’
Dallas, Texas — A Texas high school teacher is taking “classroom discipline” to a new level after announcing she has filed a police report against a student accused of stealing her $300 Hello Kitty collectible — and she’s not backing down despite backlash from critics online.
The educator, known as Ms. Dawson on TikTok (@_d3thateacher), went viral this week after sharing a video telling her 14.9 million viewers that she had officially contacted police over the theft of her prized Hello Kitty Funko Pop figure. The collectible — a rare vinyl figurine inspired by the iconic cartoon cat — was reportedly a sentimental gift from a former third-grade student six years ago.
“I am finally filing a police report for the Hello Kitty Funko Pop that was stolen off my desk,” Dawson said in her viral post. “I will be doing it because I mean business.”
A $300 Collectible Gone Missing
Dawson explained that she placed the collectible on display in her Hello Kitty-themed classroom at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. But by late September, it had mysteriously disappeared.
She initially gave the culprit multiple chances to return the toy — even offering an opportunity to do so anonymously — but no one came forward. Frustrated and disheartened, she decided to escalate the matter.
“I thought maybe it would just appear back on my desk while I was out,” she said in the TikTok clip. “But it’s a shame that I can’t feel comfortable and safe in my own classroom.”
After learning that the collectible’s market value had climbed to nearly $300 on eBay, Dawson said she realized she had enough reason to file a formal theft report.
Online Debate: Fair Consequence Or Overreaction?
While some viewers praised Dawson for standing her ground, others argued that calling the police on a student — likely a minor — was excessive.
“I understand it’s valuable, but these are still kids,” one commenter wrote. Another user added, “By threatening to call the police, you probably made the student too scared to return it.”
Critics even accused Dawson of “baiting” students by leaving the rare collectible out in the open. “If it was so special, you should’ve left it at home,” one viewer commented. “You’re there to teach, not bring toys to work.”
Still, others stood firmly behind the teacher, saying the situation underscores a larger problem of disrespect and lack of accountability among students today. “Good for her — actions have consequences,” one supporter wrote.
@_d3thateacher I really thought that my Hello Kitty Funko pop was going to magically appear back on my desk while I was out.🥹 #FYP #teacherlife #TeacherTok #hellokitty #hellokittyfunkopop #foryoupage #classroom
Teacher Burnout And Disrespect On The Rise
Incidents like Dawson’s reflect a growing frustration among educators nationwide. A recent survey found that over 60% of U.S. teachers report feeling dissatisfied with their jobs due to burnout, disrespect, and disruptive student behavior.
Former Florida teacher Stacey Sawyer told The Post she left the profession after fearing for her safety. “It was getting to the point that it was scary,” she said. “There were a few days I was scared to go to school.”
For Dawson, though, quitting isn’t an option — and she refuses to ignore what she views as a violation of trust and professionalism. “I don’t think people understand how hurtful it is to have something meaningful stolen,” she said. “This was a gift from a child — it meant more than its price tag.”
“I Mean Business”
In her follow-up video, Dawson smiled confidently, reiterating that she stands by her decision. “Now that I know its value, I’m filing a police report,” she said. “I mean business.”
The viral saga has since sparked wider conversations about classroom boundaries, teacher rights, and how far educators should go when faced with theft or misconduct.
Whether seen as justified or overblown, Dawson’s decision has made one thing clear — teachers are done tolerating disrespect in their classrooms.
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