MADISON, Wis. – A mother is seeking answers after her 15-year-old son, Jaden, who has autism, allegedly received dog food at Madison East High School. The incident occurred on February 13, but his mother, Debra Hawkes, wasn’t informed until days later.
“I found out a week later,” said Debra. “I was puzzled about why Jaden was acting differently—he was aggressive and didn’t want to eat.”
Another teacher discovered the opened can of dog food in a designated time-out room for Jaden and sent a photo to the principal, but Debra only learned about this from the principal days later.
“Why was there dog food in the school at all?” Debra asked. With unanswered questions, she has been visiting the school frequently, seeking clarity. “When I met with them, they said it’s under investigation and couldn’t divulge any details.”
Amid growing concern, community leaders have echoed her call for transparency. “We need answers for Jaden and his family,” said Rep. Sheila Stubbs.
This incident raises questions about the treatment of students, especially those with special needs. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 14% of public school students receive special education services. As schools continue to serve diverse student populations, training for staff on handling these situations is crucial.
Debra expressed her worry over Jaden’s mental health since the incident. “He hasn’t returned to school since,” she said. “For a nonverbal child, this is really unsettling.”
In response, the Madison Metropolitan School District stated they are reviewing procedures and ensuring staff are better trained. They emphasized their commitment to student safety and well-being.
As investigations continue, the community watches closely, hoping for answers and changes.
For ongoing updates, you can access more information through trusted sources such as NBC News.
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