Federal Lawsuit Alleges School District Failed to Protect Autistic Student

A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed by Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan against the Central Bucks School District. The complaint alleges the district failed to protect a 10-year-old nonverbal autistic student who endured thousands of alleged illegal restraints and other severe abuse while attending a classroom at Jamison Elementary School.

The lawsuit claims the child, identified as J.P., was illegally restrained 2,933 times between September and December 2024. According to the complaint, school employees allegedly restricted his access to water and the bathroom, removed his communication device, and subjected him to physical and psychological mistreatment. J.P.'s parents reportedly learned of the alleged abuse in December 2024 after a classroom aide came forward.

The suit alleges that Central Bucks School District officials received detailed reports of the conduct but allowed the accused employees to remain in the classroom. The complaint further claims that district officials delayed reporting the allegations to child protective services and provided incomplete or misleading information to the child's parents. A subsequent review by the district reportedly found that none of the 2,933 restraints involving J.P. had been properly reported.

J.P. has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. His family stated in a press release their devastation and anger regarding the alleged abuse and cover-up. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages against the school district, former administrators, and staff members allegedly involved.

Attorneys for the family stated that holding schools accountable is crucial for exposing dangerous practices and ensuring safer environments for all students, particularly those with disabilities.