Parents File Legal Claim Against School Over Alleged 'Dog Cage' for Autistic Son
The parents of an eight-year-old autistic boy have initiated legal proceedings against a New York school district following the shocking discovery of a wooden structure described as a "dog cage" that was allegedly designed to confine their child.
Disturbing Discovery Through Social Media
Rhonda Garrow and Jacob Sunday, the boy's parents, filed a notice of claim after learning about the existence of the box-shaped wooden enclosure in December. According to court documents, Garrow discovered photographs of the structure through a former school board member who shared images on Facebook in an attempt to raise awareness about the concerning situation.
"I feel betrayed," Garrow told media outlets. "They used his disability against him because he can't defend himself, he can't stand up for himself. The only thing he can do is yell or cry or try to run away. And I feel that's why they got this box so they can stuff him in there and just close the door."
School Acknowledges Box Existence
The legal claim names multiple respondents including:
- The Salmon River Central School District
- Its Board of Education
- Former Superintendent Stanley Harper
- School Board President Jason Brockway
According to the filing, Sunday met with Mohawk School Principal Alison Benedict, who acknowledged the box's existence and confirmed it was specifically designed for his son. However, Benedict reportedly denied that the school had actually used the enclosure or confined the child within it.
Multiple Boxes Discovered Across District
The situation escalated when the parents reported the matter to St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police. The legal claim reveals that although the district later admitted to the existence of three to four similar boxes between Salmon River and Mohawk School, officials claimed these structures were not utilized. Alternatively, they suggested that other parents knew about and approved of the boxes, though no one ever informed M.J.S.'s parents about their existence in either school or in their son's classroom.
Child's Distress and Legal Ramifications
The family's attorney, Greg Rinckey, explained that the child is autistic and nonverbal but has shown clear distress when viewing photographs of the wooden box. Rinckey stated the boy has demonstrated reluctance to attend school, and when he transferred schools within the district, the box was allegedly relocated with him.
The legal claim alleges the child and his parents have suffered "economic loss and emotional damages, some of which may be permanent in nature."
Investigation and Administrative Actions
In response to the allegations, the school district's board of education initiated an inquiry into the matter. Principal Alison Benedict and other staff members were placed on administrative leave pending the investigation's outcome.
This case raises serious questions about the treatment of special needs students and the oversight mechanisms within educational institutions, particularly regarding the use of restrictive interventions for children with disabilities.
