Honk News (Pennsylvania 2025) – A Pennsylvania mother has filed a lawsuit claiming her 8-year-old son, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was subjected to severe abuse by staff in his special education classroom at Dr. Robert F. Nicely Elementary School in the Greensburg Salem School District. The alleged incidents occurred between September 2023 and November 2023 and involved both physical and verbal abuse.
The lawsuit, which seeks $150,000 in damages, alleges that the child was restrained using soundproof mats and verbally belittled, leaving him with trauma and stressor-related disorder. Several staff members are now facing criminal charges, including child endangerment, assault, and false imprisonment.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
The following table summarizes the allegations made by the mother in the lawsuit:
| Incident | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Restraint | Son restrained tightly with sound mats or room dividers, arms pinned at his sides. | Violation of federal and Pennsylvania laws. |
| Use of Noxious Substances | Students sprayed with lemon juice and soap in their mouths. | Created a hostile and abusive environment. |
| Verbal Abuse and Intimidation | Son and other students verbally belittled and intimidated. | Psychological trauma. |
| Failure to Act by School Officials | Parents’ complaints ignored; principal restricted communication with outside staff. | Alleged continuation of abuse. |
| Impact on the Child | Student now diagnosed with trauma and stressor-related disorder. | Long-term emotional and psychological impact. |
Lawyer and Family Statements
The family’s lawyer, Thomas L. Plaitano, expressed deep concern over the case, stating: “The safety, well-being, and dignity of every child, especially those with special needs, must be an unwavering priority in our school system.”
He called for comprehensive reforms within the school district, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and systemic change to ensure student safety.
The boy’s father, devastated by the revelations, remarked: “I look at this and I can only picture a monster. Who would hurt a special needs child?”
The lawsuit highlights behavioral changes in the child, including severe anxiety that caused him to vomit before school.
District Response
Superintendent Kenneth Bissell acknowledged the allegations and confirmed that two teachers were removed from the classroom on October 27, 2023, after officials became aware of the claims. He stated:
“We are saddened that the actions and inactions within a classroom of children with the most significant support needs violated the safety needs of children and broke the trust for a loving, caring, and respectful environment.”
Despite complaints from parents about behavioral changes in their children, the district allegedly failed to take timely action. The abuse was only halted after law enforcement and child protective services intervened.
Criminal Charges
The staff members allegedly involved are facing multiple charges, including:
- Endangering the welfare of children.
- Simple assault.
- Failure to report or refer abuse.
- False imprisonment of a minor.
Read More – Twin Brothers Arrested after They Molested Several Victims over Many Years: Florida Authorities
Call for Reform
The lawsuit demands significant changes within the Greensburg Salem School District, including enhanced safeguards for special education students. The family’s lawyer emphasized the need to rebuild public trust in the education system while ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable students.