Indianapolis, Indiana – A former teacher in Indiana is facing allegations of organizing a “Fight Club” involving classmates who reportedly assaulted a 7-year-old student with disabilities, capturing at least one attack on video, as outlined in a lawsuit filed this week.
The lawsuit names several defendants, including Indiana Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson, George Washington Carver Montessori IPS School 87 Principal Mary Kapcoe, and the child’s former teacher Julious Johnican. It alleges that Johnican orchestrated a “fight club” within his classroom, fostering physical abuse of the student by other classmates over a three-month period.
According to the legal complaint, the child, identified as “O.D.,” began reporting instances of abuse and harassment at school to his mother. The lawsuit describes Johnican as instigating acts of violence against the 7-year-old, recording the abuse, and allowing other students to physically harm the child.
In response to the allegations, Catherine Michael, an attorney representing the student’s family, mentioned that the teacher seemed to be using the violent behavior as a form of discipline. The school district took immediate action upon learning of the allegations, initially suspending the teacher who later resigned before termination procedures could begin.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department initiated an investigation on the claims outlined in the lawsuit at the request of the county’s prosecutor’s office. The district stressed that it does not condone the behavior detailed in the complaint and promptly reported the incident to the Department of Child Services. The teacher in question is no longer employed by the school district.
The lawsuit includes details of multiple assaults on the second grader, stating that he was physically attacked and held by Johnican while other students hit and kicked him. The child’s mother confronted Johnican about her son’s allegations, which he dismissed by attributing them to the child’s behavioral issues.
The student’s parents, who are now homeschooling him, are seeking a jury trial for several claims, including negligent care and supervision, as well as intentional infliction of serious emotional distress. The child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is undergoing therapy.
The allegations illuminate a disturbing case of negligence and abuse within an educational institution, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students. As the legal process unfolds, the impact of such traumatic experiences on the child and his family serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within school environments.