WHITEHOUSE, Texas (TXAN 24) — Whitehouse Independent School District (WISD) is facing its second federal lawsuit in recent months involving allegations of failing to protect students with disabilities. The latest lawsuit, filed by Mary O’Neill on behalf of her child A.O., accuses the district of ignoring reports of severe bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse directed at A.O., a student with autism, while attending Whitehouse Junior High School.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that the district not only failed to implement an appropriate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but also knowingly ignored multiple complaints of harassment made by A.O. and his mother. According to the lawsuit, A.O. faced verbal and sexual harassment from other students starting in January 2023, leading to emotional trauma that eventually forced him to withdraw from the school.
Allegations of Bullying and Retaliation
O’Neill claims that despite reporting these incidents to school staff, including counselors and administrators, Whitehouse ISD did not take appropriate action to investigate or provide protections for A.O. During this time, A.O. experienced continuous verbal and physical harassment, including inappropriate comments and physical assault from other students. According to the complaint, the harassment was so severe that it impacted A.O.’s ability to participate in his educational program and caused significant emotional distress.
The lawsuit also alleges that Whitehouse ISD staff retaliated against A.O. and his family after the complaints were made, spreading false information about them among staff and students. As a result of the district’s failure to act, the lawsuit claims that A.O.’s educational performance declined, and he was forced to leave the district and enroll in a private school.
Federal Violations and Damages Sought
The suit accuses Whitehouse ISD of violating several federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX, which prohibits sexual harassment and discrimination in educational institutions. The O’Neill family is seeking over $7.5 million in damages, claiming the district’s failure to act caused severe emotional distress and violated A.O.’s civil rights.
This is the second lawsuit filed against WISD in relation to the treatment of students with disabilities. Advocates are calling for accountability and systemic changes within the district to better protect vulnerable students.
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