April 19th 2024.
A recent lawsuit has been filed in Marion County against former Indiana teacher Julious Johnican, accusing him of orchestrating a disturbing and violent situation at school. According to reports from NBC News, the incident involved a group of students physically attacking a 7-year-old student with disabilities, while Johnican allegedly encouraged and even recorded the abuse on his phone. The lawsuit also names Indiana Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson and George Washington Carver Montessori IPS School 87 Principal Mary Kapcoe as defendants.
The suit claims that during the 2023-24 school year, Johnican created an environment of abuse that lasted for three months. He allegedly not only instigated and facilitated the attacks, but also recorded them on his phone. Attorney Catherine Michael, who is representing the student's family, referred to the teacher's actions as a "reprehensible 'fight club' type of discipline."
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has launched an investigation into the matter, while the school district has stated that Johnican was suspended and later resigned before termination proceedings could take place. The district also clarified that they were not aware of the allegations until the child's parent sent an email to the principal on October 30th. The lawsuit alleges that Johnican allowed other students to physically harm the second-grader, causing emotional distress and resulting in a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis for the child.
Describing the situation as "horrifying," the suit states that Johnican not only permitted, but encouraged other students to engage in violent acts against the 7-year-old, including at least three beatings and various forms of physical harm and bullying. The child himself has recounted harrowing incidents during an interview with the Department of Child Services, detailing how he was assaulted twice in October. One instance involved Johnican allegedly restraining the child while a first-grader slapped his face, while another incident saw the teacher hold the child's shoulders as another student punched him in the stomach and kicked his legs.
The lawsuit includes several claims, including allegations of negligent care and supervision, negligent hiring and retention practices, and intentional infliction of serious emotional distress. This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students, regardless of their disabilities or differences. It is unacceptable for any teacher or school to condone or encourage violence against a child, and it is our hope that justice will be served for the victim and their family.
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