A Jersey City parent has filed a lawsuit against the board of education alleging that their autistic child, who also suffers from ADHD, “was subjected to repeated acts of violence, intimidation, physical and psychological abuse,” among other things.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Beginning on or about September 22, 2021, and continuing, the minor plaintiff was subjected to repeated acts of violence, intimidation, physical and psychological abuse, bias based harassment and other unlawful acts that shall be shown at the time of trial,” the eight-page, six-count lawsuit says.
The student attended Chaplain Charles Watters School, also known as Public School No. 24, an elementary school located at 220 Virginia Ave.
Several teachers and administrators are named as defendants, specifically Magda Savino, Rosalyn Barnes, Dana O’Callaghan, Nicole Tarantula, Hussein Nasser, Wanda Bennett-Cheatham, Ruth Perez, Patty Bradley, and Pebbles Collazzo, for allegedly failing to provide the child “a thorough and efficient public education in a reasonable safe environment.”
The lawsuit, filed by Woodelyne Nathan and identifies the child simply as MM, alleges breach of duties by the district, negligence, violation of the New Jersey Civil Rights Act, and breach of duties by the school board.
As a result, the family is seeking damages, interest, costs of suit, attorney’s fees, and any relief the court deems just and equitable. Nathan is represented by Kearny-based attorney F.R. “Chip” Dunne.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Hernandez said the district does not comment on legal matters.