The incident that occurred at Quail Valley Middle School involving 11-year-old Kyle Bensurto is not only a shocking display of neglect and inhumanity but also defies comprehension and logic. The sheer callousness exhibited by the school’s staff toward a vulnerable, non-verbal autistic child in extreme distress is nothing short of appalling.
Kyle was left on the floor of a classroom for two hours by school employees after shattering his femur, one of the most painful injuries imaginable. Those who were entrusted with his care inexcusably failed to act. The image of a special needs child who is unable to communicate his pain verbally lying in agony, while adults casually went about their day is deeply disturbing. Surveillance footage revealed staff “sitting around, talking, laughing, eating lunch, and ordering orange chicken” while Kyle lay there suffering extends beyond mere negligence. It demonstrates a fundamental lack of basic human empathy, compassion, and professional responsibility.
The lasting trauma inflicted on Kyle and his family cannot be overstated. Not only was the trust between the school, parents and child broken, but Kyle is also having to undergo multiple surgeries and rely on a wheelchair for mobility. This incident undoubtedly has created psychological scars for Kyle and his family that should never have happened. The fact that such egregious neglect could occur in an educational setting where special needs students should feel the safest is a call to action everywhere to re-evaluate protocols and practices to ensure no child ever has to suffer such a cruel indifference again.
If someone you know has been a victim of abuse, contact education law and civil rights attorney Tom Blessing at the law office of Massillamany Jeter & Carson, at 317-576-8580 for a free consultation.
Read the article: Fort Bend ISD Staff Fired After Reportedly Neglecting Special Needs Student - Texas Scorecard