Kansas School Employee Accused of Abusing Teen with Down Syndrome

Federal lawsuit alleges paraprofessional locked student in closet and cage, subjected him to physical and verbal abuse.

Lawsuit claims the paraprofessional repeatedly confined the 15-year-old in a utility closet and a sports equipment cage.
The employee allegedly sent a photo of the boy in the cage to other staff, comparing him to an animal.
Parents allege the abuse was not due to any significant misbehavior by the teen, who has Down syndrome.
The lawsuit names the paraprofessional, other special education staff, and the school district.
The teen reportedly suffered severe emotional distress and behavioral deterioration due to the abuse.