At a Glance
- An 8-year-old non-verbal boy with autism was allegedly confined in a “timeout” box at his elementary school
- His mother, Rhonda Garrow, discovered the box through a Facebook post and claims she never consented to its use
- Several staff members have been placed on leave, and legal action is planned against the Salmon River Central School District
- Why it matters: The case raises concerns about the treatment of students with disabilities and the use of seclusion practices in schools
A New York mother is preparing to sue the Salmon River Central School District after discovering her autistic son was allegedly confined in a “timeout” box at school without her knowledge.
Rhonda Garrow told News Of Los Angeles that she first learned about the box on January 6, when her attorneys at Tully Rinckey PLLC issued a press release announcing plans to file a lawsuit. The firm alleges that her non-verbal 8-year-old child was “confined in a ‘timeout’ box” at the district’s elementary school in Fort Covington.
Garrow said she had no idea the box existed until she saw photos on Facebook. She later realized it was intended for her son.
“I feel betrayed,” Garrow told The New York Post. “They used his disability against him because he can’t defend himself, he can’t stand up for himself. The only thing he can do is yell or cry or try to run away. And I feel that’s why they got this box so they can stuff him in there and just close the door.”
Parents Confront School After Discovery
The boy’s father, Jacob Sunday, joined other concerned parents at the school that day to speak with the principal. Garrow told Albany’s WRGB that she believes her son was targeted because of his disability.
“They used it against him because he can’t talk,” she said.
According to Garrow, school staff told her the box was part of “his behavioral intervention plan.” She claims she never agreed to it and was unaware it was being used.
“If he ever had an outburst, he would go in the box. He was eating all his meals in this box,” she alleged.
Legal Action and Staff Changes
Attorney Mathew Tully, a partner at Tully Rinckey, stated in the press release that the district violated the child’s rights. The firm is moving forward with legal action.
“The claims made against the district are not just troubling, they are a direct violation of Ms. Garrow’s child’s rights,” Marricco said. “We are ready to proceed to fully expose the unlawful actions that led to this troubling situation in the … school district and will fight for the rights of Ms. Garrow and her child and hopefully end this nonsensical practice.”
Since the allegations surfaced:
- The district’s director of special education has been placed on leave
- A principal and a teacher have also been placed on leave
- The timeout boxes have been removed from classrooms and disassembled, according to Garrow’s attorneys
- An interim superintendent has been appointed
Community and Tribal Context
The controversy has sparked broader concerns. The school where the box was used sits on the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Reservation. According to the press release, about 60% of the district’s students are Native American.
State Police Troop B spokeswoman Trooper Brandi M. Ashley told the law firm that “Currently, this matter is being addressed by the Tribal Police and the tribal community.”
The Salmon River Central School District did not respond to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- A mother discovered her autistic son was allegedly confined in a timeout box without her consent
- Multiple school staff members have been placed on leave while the district faces a lawsuit
- The incident highlights ongoing concerns about seclusion practices for students with disabilities
