News Summary
A mother has filed a lawsuit against the Wayne Township School District, accusing them of neglect and inhumane treatment of her deaf and blind son. The complaint details escalating behavioral issues, unexplained injuries, and allegations of staff misconduct. The case highlights concerns about resources and safety for students with disabilities and seeks accountability for the alleged mistreatment. An investigation is underway, raising important questions about the support provided to vulnerable students in Indianapolis schools.
Indianapolis, IN – A mother has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, alleging that her 16-year-old son, identified as John Doe, who is both blind and deaf, has suffered inhumane treatment while under their care. The complaint outlines several violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The lawsuit details alarming changes in John Doe’s behavior and health since he began attending the Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center in the 2022-2023 school year. Reportedly, his ability to communicate has significantly regressed, and he has shown an increase in aggressive and self-injurious behaviors. His mother, Jane Doe, states that she has frequently been asked to pick him up early from school or has been informed of his exclusion from attending classes.
According to the lawsuit, John Doe began exhibiting troubling behaviors that indicated signs of trauma, including inconsolable crying and resistance to leaving home. His mother noted that after transferring him to Ben Davis High School in July 2024, these troubling behaviors escalated. The situation intensified when John returned home with unexplained bruises and an increase in distress, leading his mother to suspect neglect.
School officials reportedly attributed John Doe’s distress to various medical issues; however, these claims lacked medical backing. Additionally, his attorneys allege he began withholding urine and crying when needing to relieve himself, interpreting this behavior as a manifestation of fear, rather than as a physical limitation. Throughout the school year, his physical condition reportedly deteriorated, with his mother observing signs of lethargy and withdrawal.
A concerned staff member at the school also reached out to Jane Doe, providing disturbing photos and videos that purportedly document the inhumane conditions John was kept in. Some of this footage allegedly showed him visibly distressed and unsupervised, while others depicted staff photographing his naked body. According to testimony from his one-on-one aide, John Doe was frequently left unattended and was sometimes subjected to physical restraint by school personnel.
The lawsuit claims that previous allegations of neglect and abuse were ignored by the school’s administrators. As a result of these troubling developments, John Doe was withdrawn from school in March 2024 and has not attended since. His primary care physician subsequently recommended that he be educated at home due to his “documented decline.” This recommendation underscores the seriousness of his condition and the urgent need for appropriate care.
The legal action seeks accountability from the school district for multiple claims, including negligent care, negligent hiring and supervision, infliction of emotional distress, failure to accommodate, and disability discrimination. Attorneys representing Jane Doe are seeking compensation for the losses related to the alleged mistreatment of her son.
The Department of Child Services has been notified of the allegations, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the validity of the claims made in this case.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the resources and support available to students with disabilities, and the responsibility that educational institutions bear in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
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Additional Resources
- 21 Alive News: Lawsuit Filed Against Indianapolis School
- Wikipedia: Disability Rights
- Fox59: Family Claims Abuse of Blind Student
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WTHR: Perry Township Schools Lawsuit
- Google Search: Student Disability Rights Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
