A Pennsylvania father is seeking answers after his 5-year-old son, who is a kindergartener at Keystone Elementary School, was allegedly assaulted by a fourth-grade special needs student, resulting in a facial laceration and lost teeth. The incident was captured on surveillance video, but the family has not been allowed to view it yet. The father, Steve Callahan, expressed his frustration with the school’s handling of the situation in a viral TikTok video, which has garnered millions of views. The school principal allegedly told Callahan that the special needs student grabbed his son and threw him headfirst into a table, causing the injuries.
The Bristol Township School District, where the incident took place, referred inquiries to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (BIU), which houses a special education program within Keystone Elementary School. A BIU spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is underway, and they are in contact with the families of both students involved in the incident. The Callahan family is still seeking answers regarding how the assault occurred and are hopeful that some changes can be made to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
David Langsam, who is representing the Callahan family, emphasized the emotional toll the incident has taken on Grayson, the young victim. The family is concerned about the long-term impact on Grayson’s emotional well-being, in addition to his physical injuries. Despite the trauma Grayson has experienced, his father is not pursuing legal action against the special needs child or their parents, choosing instead to place blame on the teacher’s aide who was supposed to be supervising the students at the time of the altercation.
The family is calling for accountability and transparency from the school district and the BIU in their investigation. Langsam explained that the video footage of the incident is disturbing, according to those who have seen it, but the family has yet to be granted access. Callahan expressed concern for Grayson’s safety and well-being, stating that his son is fearful of returning to school and missing out on important events like his kindergarten graduation due to the trauma he experienced in the assault.
The story has gained significant attention on social media, with many expressing support for the Callahan family and urging for justice and accountability in the situation. Callahan’s TikTok video has shed light on the need for improved safety measures and supervision in schools, particularly for special needs students and those with disabilities. The family’s attorney is hopeful that their advocacy efforts will lead to change within the system, preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
