Justice Sought for Autistic Boy After Horrific Bus Assault
A Catastrophic Event That Shook a Community
In mid-June, the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to attorney Qusair Mohamedbhai announcing their intention to investigate Littleton Public Schools and the Joshua School for possible civil rights violations. This development follows a series of disturbing events that transpired on a bus ride home from the autism-focused Joshua School on March 18, 2024.
A video, captured during the fateful bus ride, appears to show paraprofessional Kiarra Jones engaging in an egregious assault on a boy who is unable to speak. The footage shows Jones elbowing and hitting the child as he sits calmly beside her, culminating in a disturbing act of slamming his head against the bus window.
A Parent's Concerns Ignored
The victim's mother had expressed concerns about unexplained bruises on their child approximately two months prior to the incident. Unfortunately, the district initially dismissed these concerns by reviewing security camera footage and concluding that nothing out of the ordinary was observed.
The Aftermath: A Devastating Impact
Following the March 18 incident, Littleton Public Schools took swift action, terminating Jones' employment as a paraprofessional. However, the Joshua School's response was less forthcoming. Despite contracting with Littleton Public Schools for transportation services, the independent school did not take adequate measures to address the situation.
A Complex Situation Unfolds
Englewood Police apprehended Jones in April, charging her with nine counts of third-degree assault on an at-risk person and three misdemeanor child abuse charges. The evidence suggests that this was not an isolated incident; the video also appears to show Jones abusing another child on multiple occasions.
Attorney Qusair Mohamedbhai alleged that Jones assaulted a third child, who has since been omitted from the criminal case. All three victims have undergone significant regression in their behavior following the traumatic event and are no longer enrolled at the Joshua School.
Mohamedbhai poignantly stated, "It's very difficult to treat a nonverbal autistic child with this level of trauma." The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when considering the long-term impact such an assault can have on a vulnerable individual.
Seeking Justice for the Victims
The U.S. Department of Justice's investigation is a critical step towards seeking justice for these innocent children. While the federal inquiry is separate from the families' civil lawsuit and the criminal case against Jones, it underscores the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions.
In light of this incident, it is imperative that schools and communities alike take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students with special needs. This includes providing adequate support systems, thoroughly investigating allegations of abuse or neglect, and taking swift action against perpetrators.
The Joshua School and Littleton Public Schools must acknowledge their shared responsibility in this matter and work towards creating a more secure environment for their students. The victims' families deserve justice, and the community demands transparency and accountability from those entrusted with the care and education of our most vulnerable members.