The incident involving a nonverbal, autistic teen being tied to a chair by a special education teacher named William Buith at New Hyde Park Memorial High School on Long Island has left the boy terrified to return to school. The boy, identified as “C.D.” in a notice of claim, was bound to his seat on April 4, raising questions from his father, Carlos Diaz, who is demanding answers and wondering why this happened to his son. Despite being nonverbal, the boy’s father is concerned about his well-being and the lack of information about the incident.
It remains unclear why Buith decided to tie the teen to his chair and how long the boy was left in that position before being discovered. The incident was reported to the Nassau County Police Department and the boy’s father the day after it occurred, leaving Diaz puzzled as to why he wasn’t informed sooner. This delay has only added to Diaz’s frustration and suspicion, prompting him to consider legal action against the school district for $3 million in damages, citing assault and negligence leading to the incident.
After the incident was reported, school officials conducted an investigation, resulting in Buith’s suspension and engagement with the proper authorities. The district’s interim superintendent, Dr. Thomas Dolan, acknowledged the incident and the actions taken by the school, but due to pending litigation, they cannot provide further details. Despite assurances that Buith had been suspended, Diaz feels that the school district does not consider the incident a priority, leading to his continued pursuit of answers and justice for his son.
Fortunately, the boy did not suffer any physical harm during the incident, according to the police report, and he returned to school after a two-week vacation. Buith, who is also a track coach, did not respond to requests for comments regarding the incident. Diaz, along with his attorney, is determined to hold the school district accountable for the actions of Buith and ensure better care and protection for students with special needs in the future. The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the community, emphasizing the importance of proper training and support for those working with vulnerable populations.
