Dayton Public Schools Sued for Alleged Abuse of Autistic Child

Dayton, Ohio – A lawsuit has been filed against Dayton Public Schools (DPS) and several individuals, alleging severe abuse of a minor with autism at Rosa Parks Early Learning Center. The complaint, submitted to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, details shocking allegations of physical and emotional mistreatment of the child, identified as John Doe, by a school employee.

According to the lawsuit, John Doe, a three-year-old nonverbal autistic child, was enrolled in special education classes at Rosa Parks Early Learning Center. On August 21, 2023, the minor was allegedly struck on the head by paraprofessional Darrick Sorrells, causing him to fall to the floor. The complaint further alleges that Sorrells picked the child up by his feet and carried him upside down back to the classroom. These actions resulted in severe physical and emotional injuries to the child.

The plaintiffs, John Doe’s parents, Taneisha Lindsay and Robert Tootle, assert that the school and its employees failed in their duty to protect their son. They claim negligence, gross negligence, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses the school district of negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of Sorrells.

The complaint emphasizes the vulnerability of John Doe, describing his severe autism and developmental delays, which render him nonverbal and incapable of communicating the alleged abuse. The plaintiffs argue that Dayton Public Schools and the Dayton Board of Education had an obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, particularly those with special needs.

The lawsuit also names several John and Jane Doe employees, claiming that they were complicit in the abuse or failed to report it, in violation of Ohio laws mandating the reporting of suspected child abuse. The Ohio Department of Medicaid is also listed as a defendant, with the complaint seeking clarification on its potential claim for reimbursement of medical expenses related to the child’s injuries.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $25,000 for each cause of action, highlighting the significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm suffered by their son. The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for accountability and better protective measures for vulnerable students in the public school system.

Dayton Public Schools hasn’t had the best record of doing solid background checks on its hires. When they hired Rhonda Corr as superintendent they sort of overlooked that she had previous DUI’s, some odd marriage arrangements and a few other things. There was also a culinary arts teacher who’d gotten into a fight with 5 Dayton cops. HR has been a problem in the district for a while.

The plaintiff’s are being represented by Dayton attorney’s Michael Wright, Robert Gresham and Kesha Brooks. Wright has represented a number of people in high profile cases including the family of the 6 year old who drowned at Lohrey Pool, and John Crawford III who was killed by Beavercreek Police while shopping at the Beavercreek Walmart.