Cousins! An Ohio family is currently seeking possible legal action after viewing a video of their autistic son-non verbal son being chased and attacked by a staff member at his school.
According to CNN, the incident took place at Rosa Park’s Early Learning Center in Dayton, Ohio. The full video clip shows the unidentified staff member running after three-year-old Braylen Tootle and hitting him on the head from behind.
After knocking the child to the ground the male is seen carrying Braylen upside down in the hallway by his ankles with his head towards the ground as the video ends.
Braylen’s parents’ attorney Michael Wright says that the incident occurred on August 21st and that the video wasn’t released to Robert Tootle and Taneshia Lindsay until three weeks later.
Reports read that the unnamed staff member has since been removed from the district.
“The actions seen in the clip are contrary to all employee training, do not promote a culture conducive to learning, and are not tolerated in Dayton Public Schools,” wrote David Lawrence, interim superintendent for Dayton Public Schools, in a forwarded statement obtained by CNN affiliate WHIO.
“Although the district cannot publicly comment on specific personnel matters, parents and guardians should be assured that the individual is no longer employed,” said Interim Superintendent Lawrence.
“The safety of all students and staff is the district’s utmost priority, and we appreciate the support of families as we work to provide a safe school environment for all.”
Taneshia shared the gut-wrenching video clip on social media as she says that it took her three weeks to receive the video of her son being assaulted on his second day of school.
“I’m not saying Rosa Parks is a bad school as a whole. My son trusts his teachers and there are other staff that love what they do and work really well with the kids,” Taneshia wrote. “I’m also upset with DPS (Dayton Public Schools) because you’re the ones doing the hiring and the placement of the staff. After finally seeing that video my heart is broken and my feelings are hurt. I just want justice for my baby because he didn’t deserve that.”
CNN reports that the case has been presented by Dayton Police to the Montgomery County’s prosecutor’s office. It’s currently under review by officials to determine whether or not criminal charges will be filed.
“All children, with or without disabilities, must be treated in ways that allow for optimal development,”says Janice Sadler, spokesperson for the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.“This requires adults and caregivers in their lives to be caring, calm, and consistently respond in ways that build trust. It’s important to keep in mind that children with disabilities often require extra attention and patience – especially those who have challenges communicating.”
Superintendent Lawrence confirms that the district has recently made arrangements to ensure each of their 2,300 employees are, “properly trained and qualified for their positions.”