Horry SC teacher abused special education student, suit says | Myrtle Beach Sun News

Lawsuit Alleges Abuse of Special Education Student

A lawsuit filed by the parent of a special education student accuses a Daisy Elementary School paraprofessional in Horry County, South Carolina, of physical abuse. The complaint details that the employee grabbed, squeezed, and shook the autistic student, screamed in their face, and on a prior occasion, inappropriately restrained the child by placing their feet on the student's feet.

School District's Response and Legal Action

Horry County Schools (HCS) spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier declined to comment on the lawsuit or any disciplinary actions taken. The student's attorney, Natalie Stevens-Graziani, stated that the incident was reported to law enforcement, though no arrest has been made yet.

Pattern of Abuse Allegations

This case is not isolated. The lawsuit highlights a concerning pattern of abuse allegations against HCS related to special education students. The article cites several examples:

• A former Ocean Bay Elementary special education teacher pleaded guilty to child neglect charges in 2023.
• Another former special education teacher from St. James Intermediate School faces cruelty to children charges.
• Over a dozen lawsuits have been filed against HCS since 2018 alleging damages suffered by students with special needs.

The ongoing legal proceedings and the history of similar allegations raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of special education students within the Horry County Schools system.