LOS ANGELES, CA – Eleven families are suing the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) after a video surfaced allegedly showing a teacher mistreating special needs students at Carver Elementary School.
The video, captured on a student’s tablet during class, depicts a female teacher yelling at and mocking young children with special needs.
“When I first saw it, I was shocked,” said Alma Moreno, whose daughter with autism attends the school. “I was heartbroken. I couldn’t believe it.”
Moreno said her daughter, who is nonverbal, exhibited troubling behavioral changes during the school year, including yelling “Quiet!” and pointing to her mouth.
The lawsuit alleges the children, all in the same special needs class, were subjected to neglect, verbal abuse, humiliation, and trauma.
Attorney Elan Zekster, representing the families, claims the teacher’s actions left lasting psychological impacts. “What this teacher did was ingrain in the special needs children that they need to be quiet, they need to not be themselves, and they need to shut up,” Zekster said.
The teacher in question, whose identity has not been disclosed, is no longer employed at the school. No charges or arrests have been made in connection with the allegations.
In a statement, the Santa Ana Unified School District acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of the allegations made regarding the behavior of one of our employees which are deeply concerning and contrary to the standards we uphold as a District. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities,” the statement read.
The district added that while active litigation limits what can be disclosed, it is committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for all students.
The families involved say they are speaking out to protect their children and prevent similar incidents.
“Don’t be afraid to fight for your kid,” Moreno said. “Don’t be afraid. Just speak up.”
The case highlights concerns about the treatment of special needs students and the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable populations in the classroom.
