A lawsuit was filed against George Washington Carver Montessori IPS School 87 in Indianapolis by the mother of a 7-year-old student with disabilities. The suit alleges that the child was encouraged to fight with classmates by his teacher, Julious Johnican. This “Fight Club” scenario was allegedly filmed, and the teacher is accused of orchestrating at least three beatings over a three-month period. The teacher was suspended and later resigned before termination proceedings could begin. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the allegations.
The lawsuit states that the child, identified as “O.D.,” complained to his mother about being abused and harassed at school. Johnican is accused of using violence as a disciplinary technique, with other students being encouraged to physically harm the 7-year-old. The Indianapolis Public Schools district responded to the allegations by immediately suspending the teacher and notifying the Department of Child Services. The district claims it was not aware of the abuse until the parent emailed the principal. The school district has stated that it takes reports of potential abuse and neglect seriously.
The child’s mother had several meetings with the teacher to discuss her son’s allegations but was dismissed by Johnican, who attributed the issues to the student’s behavioral problems. The child’s grades began to decline, and he asked to avoid school. During a meeting with the parents, the teacher accidentally showed a video of the student being attacked in the classroom. The distressing content of the video allegedly shows the child being punched repeatedly by another student, as Johnican is heard instigating and encouraging the violence.
According to the lawsuit, the child also went through other incidents like being hit, slapped, and kicked by other students in the presence of Johnican. The child has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is receiving therapy once a week. The suit includes claims of negligent care and supervision, negligent hiring, retention, and supervision, and intentional infliction of serious emotional distress. The child is currently being homeschooled, and the damages will be determined at trial.
The suit names other defendants, including the school’s assistant principal, a substitute teacher, and a behavioral consultant. The child’s family is represented by an attorney who has stated that the teacher’s actions were deeply disturbing. The Indianapolis Public Schools district has stated that it does not tolerate the behavior alleged in the lawsuit and has taken immediate action in response to the allegations. The superintendent and school principal have declined to comment on the matter. The lawsuit requests a jury trial to determine the damages resulting from the traumatic incidents.
