On May 16 we reported on the distressing story, Student with autism allegedly hit by teacher. 65-year-old Janet Carrie Williams, a teacher at Greene Valley State School for children with learning differences, was charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
It has now been reported that a federal judge has approved a settlement for the family concerned of $350,000, The boy with autism, who was assaulted cannot speak. He was called names and repeatedly hit by his teacher Ms Williams.
The lawsuit, that was filed earlier this year, alleged that the student in question had suffered “bodily harm and emotional distress” when he was allegedly hit and called names by his teacher Ms Williams.
The boy who was assaulted is now 8 and weighs only 95 pounds.
Ms Williams also faces criminal charges. She pleaded not guilty to third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child, back in May, both of which are misdemeanors. If she is convicted, she could face fines and jail time, one count being as long as a year.
Ms Williams is no longer employed by the school.
Source: Springfield News-Leader: Lawsuit alleging teacher slapped autistic boy settled for $350k