A California family claims their young son fell victim to abuse and racism at a school in Palo Alto. The alleged abuse occurred during the Right at School program on the campus of Escondido Elementary in the Palo Alto Unified School District. The unidentified 10-year-old boy reportedly suffered abuse from fellow students as well as a staff member.
According to court documents obtained by KTVU, the child claimed other students kicked him in the genitals on one occasion. On another, a staff member allegedly locked him in a closet. The child reportedly suffered so much emotional distress he had thoughts of self-harm. His family is taking legal action to hold school and district officials accountable.
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The child reportedly used his watch while in the closet to contact his father.
KRON reported that the day a staff member allegedly locked the then 9-year-old in a closet, the boy used his smart watch to call his father for help. This incident was reportedly one of several incidents of mistreatment of the child. Attorney James Quadra told the news outlet that the family may file a lawsuit against the school district.
“In one of the most egregious incidents, one Right At School staff member encouraged other children to kick (the boy) in the genitals, resulting in multiple children assaulting (the boy) with staff members present,” court documents allege.
The employee involved in the incident was fired.
In a statement obtained by KTVU, a Right at School spokesperson claimed they fired the employee, identified as Daniel Bueno. He also faces a charge of false imprisonment in Santa Clara County.
The district shared a statement with KRON that reads in part, “Upon learning of the incident, PAUSD immediately worked closely with Right At School and the employee was immediately terminated from their employment.”
The family claims their son suffered long-term psychological effects.
The family’s attorneys said the boy continues to suffer from extreme emotional distress following his time in the Right at School program. Quadra told KTVU, “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.”
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The school district claims it's taking the accusations seriously.
The Palo Alto Unified School District shared its concerns in a statement with KRON. “We are aware of a concern involving the services provided by Right At School. The District has and will continue to take a proactive approach to ensure high-quality and safe learning environments for our students,” the statement reads. “While specific details of the allegations made cannot be shared due to privacy restrictions, PAUSD and Right At School are united in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, do not tolerate discrimination or retaliation.”
Quadra said the child reenrolled in both the school and afterschool program this year but recently withdrew. “He will not be returning to Escondido or Right At School,” Quadra shared.
