A Cobb County mother says Griffin Middle School isn’t doing enough to protect her special needs daughter, who was allegedly sexually assaulted during class.
So she’s keeping her 11-year-old at home.
The woman spoke to Channel 2 Action News and asked not to be identified.
Her daughter, who has autism, was attacked Sept. 19 by a male classmate with special needs, she told the news station.
“I was sickened immediately,” she said. “Heartbroken; disgusted.”
According to a Smyrna police report, the teacher had stepped out of the room and a paraprofessional was the only adult in the room.
After hearing laughter, the parapro turned and saw the boy with his pants down bent over the girl, according to the report. The children were in the corner of the room.
The girl’s mother said school officials didn’t notify her until later that evening, well after her daughter returned home, Channel 2 reported.
The boy was suspended but allowed to return Monday, the victim’s mother said.
“I don’t know what to do exactly,” she told Channel 2. “I am not sending her back as long as that child is in the school. Period.”
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Another mother is following suit.
She said her child is in the same class, and while she understands the district’s difficult position, she won’t send her daughter to school, either.
“I understand that it’s an awkward position for the (Cobb County School) district, because they have to protect the rights of all students involved, but obviously for me, first and foremost, is the safety of my child,” she said. “And if I don’t have complete confidence that this isn’t going to happen again in the classroom, then I don’t want her in that classroom.”
No charges have been filed, Smyrna police said.
Cobb County Schools spokesman John Stafford released a statement on behalf of the school:
“The safety of all of our students is our top priority. All student discipline matters are thoroughly investigated and handled appropriately. The District cannot comment on the specifics of any particular situation.”
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