The Arc of Indiana is deeply disturbed by reports that a non-verbal seven-year-old child with disabilities in Jennings County was repeatedly raped and assaulted by a 15-year-old student on a bus for students receiving special education services.
No child, particularly one with significant communication challenges, should ever be subjected to such trauma. This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical duty of schools and public institutions to protect students who are unable to advocate for themselves or seek help.
This case highlights deeply concerning systemic failures—failures that continue to place vulnerable children at risk. Schools must build strong safeguards into their systems, including improved supervision, comprehensive staff training, clearly defined protocols to prevent such tragedies, and the use of cameras where students are present.
This must serve as an urgent wake-up call for school leaders and policymakers across Indiana. School districts must immediately review and strengthen their transportation and supervision policies, implement robust protections for students with disabilities, and make safeguarding training a priority for all staff.
The Arc of Indiana remains steadfast in our mission to ensure that all students with disabilities are safe, respected, and protected. We continue to advocate for the installation of cameras in settings where vulnerable students are most at risk—including on school buses and in seclusion rooms—particularly for children who are non-verbal or have limited communication abilities.
Our hearts are with the child, his family, and all families of students with disabilities who are affected by this incident. We offer our full support and extend our deepest compassion during this difficult time.