An Atlanta mother has come forward with allegations that her 7-year-old autistic son was physically assaulted by his teacher inside a classroom at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School. The incident, which occurred on November 8, is currently being investigated by both the police and officials from Atlanta Public Schools.
Reginique Stinson, the mother, expressed her shock and disbelief at the teacher’s actions, stating, “I don’t know what could’ve caused this lady to react in a way that she felt so threatened by my three-foot-tall child.” According to Stinson, her son Gabriel was struck so forcefully that another teacher in the vicinity heard the impact and reported it.
Describing her son’s experience, Stinson said, “I just can’t imagine how my son could’ve felt in that moment. He’s never experienced something like that. I don’t hit my child.” She believes that the teacher took advantage of Gabriel’s non-verbal condition, knowing that he couldn’t speak up for himself.
Atlanta Public Schools confirmed that the district’s Office of Employee Relations and Atlanta Public Schools Police have launched investigations into the alleged slap. However, Stinson claims that she has received limited information about the incident and has noticed a change in her son’s behavior since then.
Stinson is now advocating for better training for teachers who work with special education students and is urging Atlanta Public Schools to install cameras in all classrooms. She has also decided to remove her son from the class where the incident occurred and is contemplating transferring him to another school.
The employment status of the accused teacher remains unclear at this time.
