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Settlement Reached in Tennessee School Threat Case Involving Autistic Student
A public high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has agreed to pay $100,000 to the family of an 11-year-old student with autism, settling a federal lawsuit that accused the school of unjustly reporting the child to law enforcement over a perceived threat of mass violence.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred early in the school year when Junior, the autistic student, overheard two classmates discussing a potential school shooting. (To protect his privacy, we are using a pseudonym.) According to Junior’s account, one student asked if the other planned to carry out a shooting at the school the next day. Junior observed the conversation and, interpreting it as a threat, responded affirmatively when asked if the other was going to do it. Subsequently, other students reported that Junior had threatened to attack the school.
Immediate Aftermath and Law Enforcement Involvement
School administrators initially told Junior he could return to class the following day. However, hours later, a sheriff’s deputy located him at a family dinner and detained him in the parking lot, handcuffing him in front of his family. The incident drew media attention, with ProPublica and WPLN News reporting on the case last October as part of a broader investigation into Tennessee’s recent legislation criminalizing threats of mass violence in educational settings.
Legal Settlement and Policy Changes
As part of the settlement, Chattanooga Preparatory School committed to revising its procedures for handling threats, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between harmless comments and genuine threats. The school also agreed to report only “credible” threats to law enforcement, aligning with best practices to prevent over-policing of students with disabilities.
A final court hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for July 1. According to Junior’s family attorney, this case represents the first significant financial resolution related to Tennessee’s new law criminalizing threats of violence in schools. The school has not yet responded to requests for comment from the media.
Impact on the Student and Community
Junior’s mother, Torri, described the settlement as “bittersweet.” She shared that her son still experiences fear when he sees police vehicles, recalling the night he was taken into custody. His case was ultimately dismissed in juvenile court last December. Despite this, she expressed hope that the school’s staff will implement better procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I don’t want any child or parent to go through what we did,” she said. “All children should feel safe, and schools need to be more understanding of students with disabilities.”
Legal and Legislative Context
Attorneys for Junior argued that the school wrongly reported him to law enforcement, claiming he never made a genuine threat. Instead of reporting only verified threats, Chattanooga Prep reportedly reported all threats regardless of their validity, a practice that can lead to unnecessary criminal charges against students, especially those with disabilities.
During the recent legislative session, advocates for students with disabilities voiced concerns about the law’s potential to harm vulnerable students. However, lawmakers chose not to amend the existing statute, instead adding a similar law that could lead to harsher penalties for students accused of making threats.
Justin Gilbert, the family’s attorney, hopes the settlement will prompt legislative reform. “Financial settlements often serve as catalysts for policy change,” he explained. “When lawmakers see the tangible costs of their decisions, they may be motivated to revise laws to better protect students and prevent unnecessary criminalization.”
Looking Forward
This case underscores the urgent need for clearer policies and training for school staff on how to handle threats, especially involving students with disabilities. It also highlights the importance of balancing safety with the rights and well-being of students, ensuring that responses do not lead to unjust criminalization or trauma.
Community Voices and Personal Stories
Torri shared her hope that her son’s experience will lead to meaningful change. “My son deserves to feel safe at school, just like any other child,” she said. “We need to create an environment where children with disabilities are understood and supported, not punished or criminalized for their behaviors.”
Final Thoughts
As the legal process concludes, this case serves as a reminder of the critical need for reform in how schools respond to threats, particularly involving students with disabilities. It also emphasizes the importance of policies that prioritize understanding and support over punitive measures, fostering safer and more inclusive educational environments.
