CPS aide pushed, dragged nonverbal autistic boy ‘like a starfish’ in school hallway, prosecutors say
A disturbing incident unfolded at a Northwest Side elementary school involving a substitute classroom aide and an 8-year-old nonverbal autistic boy. Melissa Monroy, 48, who worked as a substitute special education classroom aide at Beard Elementary School in Norwood Park, is now facing felony charges of aggravated battery of a child younger than 13 causing great bodily harm.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on January 29 when the boy, who was being escorted to the bathroom by another special education classroom assistant, became disruptive and collapsed in the hallway outside the restroom. Monroy, who was taking a female student to the restroom at the same time, exchanged students with the other assistant and took over with the boy.
Surveillance footage captured the three-minute struggle that ensued between Monroy and the boy. She initially tried to lift him by his arms, but when he resisted, she resorted to using her feet to push his body towards the bathroom. Despite the boy’s attempts to resist by grabbing at Monroy’s legs, she continued to push and pull him across the floor, eventually dragging him into the bathroom by one leg.
The incident left the child crying, and he later complained of back pain and was taken to the hospital for examination. Prosecutors highlighted that the proper procedure for handling special needs students who refuse to move is to wait for them to calm down or seek assistance from other staff members, rather than forcing them to move.
The school security officer who witnessed the incident live on a security monitor promptly reported it to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The boy’s father was also informed, leading to a police report being filed the following day. Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Shauna Boliker ordered Monroy’s release on standard conditions, including no contact with the child.
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has yet to respond to requests for information and comment on the incident. This troubling event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following proper procedures and protocols when dealing with special needs students in educational settings.
