INDIANAPOLIS — Attorneys representing the family of a 16-year-old deaf-blind student have filed a federal lawsuit against Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, alleging years of severe abuse, neglect, and exploitation at two district schools.
The complaint filed in Marion County Superior Court describes treatment at Ben Davis High School and Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center and details allegations against the district and five employees.
"What happened to this child is nothing short of barbaric," said attorney Catherine Michael of Connell Michael LLP, representing the family. "He is a deaf-blind, medically fragile student who depends entirely on adults for every aspect of care. Instead of protecting him, the school left him isolated, starving, humiliated, and exploited."
The student, identified in court documents as "John Doe," can only detect light and shadows while perceiving vibrations. He requires constant supervision and can only communicate through touch prompts and hand-over-hand techniques. According to the lawsuit, the abuse occurred between 2022 and 2025 while he attended district schools.
The lawsuit claims staff regularly left the student isolated for entire school days, leading to a six-pound weight loss during the 2024 school year due to inadequate feeding.
The child would reportedly come home with unexplained bruises and developed blisters and bruising on his genitals from neglect.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that staff photographed and filmed the student completely nude using personal cell phones.
"This child was left naked, filmed, and degraded by those entrusted with his care," said attorney Tammy Meyer of Metzger Rosta LLP. "The district's actions go far beyond negligence. This was a gross betrayal of trust, a moral failure, and a violation of basic human rights. Every level of this administration failed this child."
The lawsuit also alleges the student was excluded from nearly 50% of his education through early dismissals and regressed in American Sign Language skills.
"This was not a mistake or understaffing; it was systemic abuse," Michael said.
The family seeks damages for extensive physical, emotional and psychological trauma, plus accountability from a district that attorneys say has "refused to explain how multiple staff members were permitted to photograph and record a disabled child while nude."
The student's mother removed him from the district in March 2025, and his physician has recommended continued homeschooling.
WRTV reached out to the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township for comment, to which they made the following statement:
We’re aware of the lawsuit and take all allegations involving student safety and welfare with the utmost seriousness.
Due to federal privacy laws, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), we are significantly limited in what information we can share publicly about any student without proper authorization.
We want to be transparent with the public about this matter. If the family is willing to execute a full release of information that allows the district to discuss the circumstances surrounding these allegations, we would welcome the opportunity to provide our account and the relevant facts of this case.
We remain committed to the safety, dignity, and education of all students in our care.We will have no further comment at this time.
The Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD) made a statement, saying they are deeply troubled by the allegations.
As an organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Hoosiers, we condemn all forms of abuse, neglect, and discrimination towards students with disabilities. Every child has the right to equitable safety, full communication access, and an education free from fear or harm.
When Deaf or DeafBlind students experience abuse, it is rarely an isolated incident. It reflects deeper systemic shortcomings, including limited communication access, inadequate training, and inconsistent accountability. These conditions create environments where children with disabilities may go unheard or unsupported. Meaningful change requires a proactive commitment to equity, transparency, and safety for every student.
We therefore urge MSD of Wayne Township to take the following steps immediately and transparently:
1. Cooperate fully with independent investigations into the reported incident and publicly commit to accountability for any substantiated failures.
2. Conduct a district-wide review of staff training and procedures to ensure all employees are adequately prepared in communication
accessibility, mandatory reporting, and disability rights.
3. Ensure full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) standards across all district schools.
4. Include Deaf, DeafBlind, and disability-led organizations in future training, planning, oversight of accessibility, and student safety
initiatives.
5. Expand professional development and partnerships focusing on DeafBlind culture, communication methods, and trauma-informed
support for students with complex sensory needs.
We call upon MSD of Wayne Township’s leadership to view this not only as a legal matter but as an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen staff preparedness, and demonstrate a commitment to equitable education for all students.
