Family alleges pattern of bullying, racism in Palo Alto after-school program
PALO ALTO, Calif. - The family of a 10-year-old boy is taking legal action against the Palo Alto Unified School District and its after-school program, alleging they did not do enough to keep the child safe.
The family alleges a pattern of systemic abuse, racist bullying, and physical harm. They are seeking changes both at the school district and in its after-school programs.
The boy attends school in Palo Alto not because he lives there, but because his family works there.
A spokesperson for the family said they feel as if the treatment they have experienced is meant to push them out.
"It's a failure here in the system over, and over, and over again. And in this particular situation, this child's abuse, it's just reprehensible," said Sean Allen with the Silicon Valley NAACP.
The incidents happened during the Right at School after-school program on the campus of Escondido Elementary.
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According to court documents, the child was kicked in the genitals by other students on one occasion. In another incident, he was locked in a closet by a staff member for more than 10 minutes.
In a statement, Right at School said they terminated the employee, identified as Daniel Bueno. Santa Clara County also filed felony charges of false imprisonment against him.
A spokesperson for the family said in a statement, "This treatment has caused undue stress, irreparable harm, and long-term trauma not only to our child but to our entire family."
The family believes it's part of a pattern of racial discrimination and harassment. They say it has caused the 10-year-old severe emotional distress.
"Including to the point where this child was starting to have suicidal ideation. And the school dismissed it as a joke, did not report it to the parents," said Jim Quadra, an attorney for the family.
The initial incidents happened last January. The school district said it has worked extensively with the family and implored them to allow the release of records to show that.
Both PAUSD and Right at School issued statements saying they "do not tolerate discrimination or retaliation, and remain committed to supporting the student and family involved in this incident."
The NAACP, which is supporting the family, believes there is a systemic problem at play. They are asking the district to take meaningful steps to eliminate bias. The claim the family filed also seeks compensation for the child's care and a plan to help him return to a safe school setting.
"He will not be returning to Escondido or Right At School," said Quadra.
The child had re-enrolled in both the school and the after-school program this year, but in recent weeks has been pulled out.
The district has 45 days to respond to the claim. After that, the family's attorney has six months to file a lawsuit.