Three staff members suspended after 3-year-old restrained at Boston school

Photo byMass Live

BOSTON, MA – A mother continues to fight for justice after her 3-year-old son was restrained at school. The child, who lives with special needs, was strapped to a chair for more than 20 minutes. 

“I still don’t believe it, it’s a nightmare,” Anacelia Cuevas says. Her son was reportedly restrained in a chair that was duct taped to the ground during a school day at James F. Condon School on February 14, 2024. Cuevas, whose son is non-verbal, did not learn about the incident until the Department of Children & Families (DCF) contacted her to further investigate. 

“The only thing that was noticeable was when he was coming home saying ‘trouble’ whenever I would sit him in the chair,” Cuevas shares of her son’s response to being restrained at school. 

“This is unacceptable,” the mom continues. “They robbed my child of his innocence, they really did. I’m going to get justice for my son.”

Boston Public Schools continues to investigate the incident and has reportedly suspended three staff members, one of whom is a teacher, as a result of its findings. 

“The safety and well-being of our students is our number one priority,” BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper says in a statement. “This incident is deeply concerning and goes against our values and policies as a school district,” she adds. 

“We understand how difficult this has been for both our student and their family, and we will continue to work directly with them to provide all the support they need to feel safe and continue learning at BPS.”

Region 2 School Superintendent Mary Driscoll also addresses the incident in a statement. “I want to reassure you that this matter is being fully addressed consistent with school and district policies,” the superintendent shares. “The BPS Office of Specialized Services is in direct contact with the school to support staff with proper district protocols regarding the use of student restraints.”