A special needs student may finally receive the justice she deserves after enduring years of alleged mistreatment. Emily Thompson, who has cerebral palsy, was reportedly punished for her condition by staff at her special education school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In a shocking text message sent to Emily’s mother, Sarah Thompson, a teacher at High Point School stated, “Help. She won’t be quiet!!!!” This message included a disturbing photo depicting Emily with her mouth sealed shut using multiple pieces of tape, as reported by the Washington Post. The fear in Emily’s eyes is palpable, especially considering she relies primarily on her mouth for breathing.
Cerebral palsy is a congenital condition that impacts a person’s movement, muscle tone, and overall posture. Now 27, Emily is wheelchair-bound and completely dependent on others for her daily activities. She is also nonverbal, making it difficult for her to express the extent of the alleged abuse she experienced at school.
In addition to having her mouth taped shut, Emily was reportedly confined to a school bathroom for extended periods. On numerous occasions, she returned home with burns, bruises, and scabs, injuries that school officials attributed to her, despite her inability to inflict harm on herself. “They blamed Emily for scalding hot coffee being poured on her and for the bruises she came home with. They even claimed that her noise level was the reason they had to gag and bind her,” explained Emily’s attorney, David Roberts. The family has initiated a 25-page lawsuit against the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, targeting educators including one of Emily’s teachers, Laura Green; the principal at the time, Rachel Adams; and two teacher’s aides.
The alleged mistreatment began in 2004 and persisted for over a decade, with instances where a bus driver even witnessed a staff member strike Emily. According to the lawsuit, the Thompson family made multiple complaints to school officials. “The school assured them that they were addressing the situation, labeling the parents as overreacting to what they believed was happening,” Roberts stated. Much of the alleged abuse, including the taping incident, occurred just last year. Due to her limited mobility, Emily requires diapers, and on at least one occasion, she was reportedly left in soiled ones for hours.
Despite previous assurances, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District has resorted to victim-blaming in their public statement, claiming, “The family did not report this, or any other complaints, to the district until nearly a year after the incidents occurred. During that time, the student continued attending school in the same classroom with the same teacher.” Sarah Thompson felt compelled to keep Emily in the school until earlier this year, unaware of the severity of the abuse and neglect her daughter had faced from those meant to care for her.
“We could have ensured that no other child would suffer the same abuse, stopping it in its tracks. If the school had fulfilled its legal obligations a decade ago, it might have prevented much of the torment Emily endured,” Roberts emphasized.
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In summary, Emily Thompson’s case highlights a distressing pattern of abuse within educational institutions for special needs students. The ongoing legal battle seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure a safer environment for all students.