Legal Action Against School District Over Alleged Student Abuse
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of students with disabilities, national plaintiffs' law firm Arias Sanguinetti has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of a nonverbal student identified as G.R., who is living with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. The incident took place at Basic Academy of International Studies located in Henderson, Nevada.
Allegations of Abuse
The suit pins the blame on a teacher from the Clark County School District who is accused of both physical and verbal abuse towards G.R. According to the complaint, on October 30, 2023, the teacher lost control and physically assaulted the student. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the educator forcibly grabbed G.R., ultimately shoving him to the ground. This assault reportedly resulted in not only physical injuries and bruises but also a substantial amount of emotional trauma.
Furthermore, it is alleged that later that same day, while assisting G.R. in a restroom, the teacher's aggressive behavior escalated. Witnesses observed the educator using profane language and behaving inappropriately towards G.R., which prompted intervention from other school staff members.
School District's Inaction
The lawsuit criticizes the Clark County School District for their shortcomings in properly handling the situation. Despite being aware of the abusive behavior, the district allegedly failed to investigate or report the incident to G.R.'s family or the appropriate authorities as mandated by Nevada law. The teacher in question not only remained employed but continued to work in an environment where he interacted with vulnerable students, raising alarms about the safety and wellbeing of those in the district's care.
Gregg Hubley, the attorney representing G.R. at Arias Sanguinetti, expressed deep concern over the lack of protective action from the school. He stated, "Students with disabilities depend on the adults around them for safety and guidance in school. When a teacher, who has the crucial responsibility of protecting these students, crosses that boundary, it results in a troubling loss of trust and responsibility."
Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
The complaint sets forth multiple legal bases, including claims of assault, battery, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, intentional emotional distress, and violations of both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The lawsuit not only seeks financial compensation for the suffering endured by G.R. but also aims for punitive damages against the teacher and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case has garnered attention for its implications regarding the treatment of students with disabilities in educational settings, especially regarding accountability and protective measures. The lawsuit is titled G.R. v. Clark County School District, et al., and is filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (Case No. 225-cv-02070).
About Arias Sanguinetti
Arias Sanguinetti Wang is a prominent law firm known for representing clients in complex civil litigation, focusing on civil rights violations, wrongful death cases, employment discrimination, and other serious legal matters. The firm has secured over $2 billion in recoveries, striving daily to advocate for the rights of individuals against powerful entities. For further insight or inquiries, interested parties can visit their website at
aswtlawyers.com.
This lawsuit stands as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities held by educational institutions in protecting their most vulnerable students. As this case progresses, it will be crucial to observe how the legal system responds to allegations of this nature and the measures that may be implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of all students.