G.R. was a Henderson High School student who had autism and Down syndrome. He thrived on a strong routine.
Every day, he would walk the same hallways to the same classroom where the same teachers were entrusted with his care. As a nonverbal student in a special education program at Basic Academy of International Studies, he relied almost entirely on the people around him to ensure his safety.
On Oct. 30, 2023, that trust was broken.
The complaint alleges that inside his classroom, a teacher became frustrated with behaviors related to G.R.’s disabilities.
Witnesses later reported that the teacher forcibly grabbed the student and shoved him to the ground. The lawsuit claims the incident left G.R. with bruises and physical injuries, along with emotional trauma that cannot be easily measured.
Since G.R. cannot speak for himself, much of what is alleged to have occurred comes from witness accounts and school staff observations included in the court filing. The lawsuit further alleges that later the same day, while assisting G.R. in a restroom, the same teacher engaged in aggressive and profane conduct toward him. Other staff members reportedly intervened.
For families of children with significant disabilities, school is supposed to be a place of protection and support.
Federal law requires districts to provide students with disabilities equal access to education and safeguards against discrimination and abuse. The lawsuit contends those protections failed.
Attorneys representing G.R. have accused the Clark County School District of failing to properly investigate the incident and of failing to promptly notify the student’s parents or authorities as required under Nevada law. The complaint also alleges that the district failed to discipline the teacher and allowed him to continue working with vulnerable students.
“Students with disabilities depend on the adults around them for safety and guidance in school,” said Gregg Hubley, an attorney for the family. “When that trust is broken by someone entrusted with their care, the harm extends far beyond a single incident.”
The lawsuit alleges assault, negligence, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, violations of the Rehabilitation Act, and constitutional rights violations. It seeks financial compensation and punitive damages.
The Clark County School District has not yet publicly responded to the allegations in court. Nonverbal students face unique vulnerabilities. When something goes wrong, they often cannot explain what happened. Their safety depends entirely on the vigilance and integrity of the adults around them.
For G.R.’s family, the lawsuit is about accountability. It is about ensuring that what they say happened in that classroom does not happen to another child who cannot tell his own story.
The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.
Plaintiff Representative: Arias Sanguinetti
