COLUMBUS, Ohio-Parents are suing the Columbus Board of Education and a district teacher for allegedly physically assaulting their 5-year-old child, who is diagnosed with autism. The incident occurred when the child, a Pre-K student, was sitting on the floor in class and the teacher tripped over him. Allegedly frustrated, the teacher then asked another instructor to kick the child, and when refused, proceeded to intentionally strike and knock the child over. The complaint further claims the teacher kicked the child while he was on the ground and carried him away “like a football.” The lawsuit also accuses the teacher of previous misconduct, including drinking on the job and making threats towards students, with no intervention from the district.
