Allegations of Abuse on School Bus Raise Serious Concerns in Lexington
In a shocking turn of events, the parents of eight children have come forward with serious allegations against a school bus driver in Lexington, who they claim abused the children in a manner described as “akin to torture.” This lawsuit, recently filed in federal court, involves not just the driver, Patricia Douglas, but also the Lexington School District Two, its superintendent, Brenda Hafner, and the South Carolina Department of Education.
Details of the Incident
The children affected by these allegations range in age from 4 to 12 years old, with seven of them being special needs children and one an older sibling. According to the lawsuit, the school district and its leaders had a significant duty to ensure safe transportation for these children, who are made especially vulnerable by their disabilities. This includes providing proper training for bus drivers on how to manage and discipline children appropriately, which is where the lawsuit claims the district fell short.
On May 7, the temperature soared above 90 degrees, creating what is described in the lawsuit as a “dangerous condition” when Douglas allegedly punished the children for being noisy by shutting off the bus’s air conditioning for more than 20 minutes. As a result, the children suffered from severe heat-related issues, including seizures, overheating, nausea, and even lasting mental trauma. The lawsuit describes how the driver verbally harassed the children during this time, saying troubling phrases like “I will cut the A/C off and burn you up” and “Don’t ask me to cut it back on.” Meanwhile, Douglas presumably kept the air conditioning running for herself.
Impact on Children
The young riders were allegedly heard on the bus recording system pleading for relief, with desperate cries of “Don’t burn us.” The lawsuit also reveals that the children face a range of disabilities, including epilepsy, ADHD, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, autism, speech and language impairments, and anxiety. The gravity of the situation is difficult to overstate, as the emotional and physical well-being of these children was put at risk during what should have been a safe transportation experience.
Response to the Allegations
The lawsuit paints a broader picture of a systemic failure within the school district regarding training and protocols. In their complaint, the parents argue that the actions of the driver are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of significant lapses on the part of the school authorities. They reference a warning from Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, highlighting that in just 10 minutes, trapped children can experience a temperature increase severe enough to cause death.
In the aftermath of the May incident, Douglas faced serious legal repercussions, being charged with 10 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to children by the South Congaree Police Department. As of now, those charges are still pending, with no trial date set. She remains free on bond, and her attorney has opted not to comment on the ongoing case.
Current Status of the Driver
As for her employment status, officials within the Lexington District Two confirmed that Douglas is no longer with the school district. Regarding the case itself, the district has stated they have yet to see the exact details of the lawsuit but are committed to not commenting on matters tied to pending litigation.
The Road Ahead
The parents involved in the lawsuit—representing three sets of children—have enlisted the help of lawyers who are now navigating the complexities of the legal system. The federal court case will be presided over by Judge Sherri Lydon, and as the case develops, many in the community are left wondering how something like this could happen. It raises essential questions about school safety and the protection of our most vulnerable children.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a vital reminder of the critical need for accountability and support for those who care for and transport our children every day. It is a painful chapter that should prompt proactive measures for the future.
