Kansas School Staff Accused of Locking Special Needs Teen in “Animal Cage” and Brutal Abuse!
Disturbing new details emerge as a Kansas school faces a lawsuit for allegedly treating a Down syndrome teen like a caged animal. đ #News #StMarysKS #Kansas #Crime
TOPEKA, KS – A federal lawsuit filed on Friday alleges severe mistreatment of a 15-year-old student with Down syndrome by a paraprofessional at a rural Kansas school district. The lawsuit, which names the Kaw Valley school district, the paraprofessional, and other special education staff as defendants, details several disturbing claims.
Allegations of Confinement and Abuse
According to the lawsuit, the paraprofessional involved in the case is accused of multiple instances of physical abuse.
The complaint claims that the paraprofessional shoved the student into a utility closet, hit him, and even locked him in a cage used for storing athletic equipment.
The suit includes a photograph of the student in the cage, which was reportedly shared with other staff members in a derogatory manner.
Concerns Raised by the Teenâs Parents
The lawsuit highlights that the studentâs parents allege the paraprofessional lacked a key to the cage and required assistance from other district employees to release their son.
The suit does not specify the duration the student was confined in the cage. The complaint further asserts that the mistreatment occurred without any valid reason related to the studentâs behavior or disability.
Accusations of Verbal Abuse and Neglect
In addition to physical abuse, the lawsuit claims the paraprofessional engaged in verbal abuse, including using derogatory language close to the studentâs face on a daily basis.
The paraprofessional is also accused of pulling the student by his shirt collar and striking him at least once. Other allegations include making the student remain in soiled clothing for extended periods and denying him food during lunch.
Lack of Intervention from School Officials
The lawsuit mentions that concerns about the paraprofessionalâs behavior were raised with the special education teacher and the districtâs special education director. However, it is alleged that these officials did not take appropriate action.
The complaint suggests that previous complaints about the paraprofessionalâs treatment of disabled students were also ignored.
District’s Response and Legal Status
The suit notes that the district described their treatment of the student as âtough loveâ and advised staff against reporting their concerns to state child welfare authorities. Despite this, the studentâs parents reported the abuse to the agency, which then investigated the allegations.
Currently, no criminal charges have been filed against the paraprofessional or other employees named in the lawsuit. Additionally, there are no records of disciplinary actions against the staff in question.
The lawsuit reports that the studentâs behavior has significantly worsened, leading to increased self-harm and withdrawal from social interactions.
Ongoing Investigation and Impact on the Student
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the allegations of abuse and neglect. The lawsuit underscores the serious concerns raised by the studentâs parents and highlights the need for accountability within the school district.
As this case unfolds, let us keep the affected student and his family in our prayers, asking for God’s comfort and healing. We are called to remember the promise of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
May we trust in God’s presence and guidance as we seek to bring light and justice to this situation, and may our actions reflect His love and care for all.
Reminder: All parties are considered innocent before proven guilty. Photo of Kaw Valley school district offices courtesy Google Street View.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
