Ex-Indiana teacher accused of encouraging classmates to beat up 7-year-old with disabilities

A former teacher in Indiana is accused of orchestrating a “Fight Club” in which he allegedly encouraged classmates to beat up a 7-year-old student with disabilities and videotaping at least one assault, according to a lawsuit filed this week.

The 7-year-old boy’s mother filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Marion County that also names Indiana Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson, George Washington Carver Montessori IPS School 87 Principal Mary Kapcoe and the child’s former teacher Julious Johnican.

Other defendants include the district, the district’s Board of School Commissioners, the school’s assistant principal, a substitute teacher and a behavioral consultant.

According to the lawsuit, weeks into the 2023-24 school year, the child, who is identified only as “O.D.,” began complaining to his mother about being abused and harassed at school.