Nassau County Family Files Federal Lawsuit After School Bus Staff Targeted Autistic Student
A Nassau County family has filed a federal lawsuit after their autistic son was repeatedly demeaned and verbally abused by his school bus matron and driver, with the mistreatment captured in disturbing audio recordings. The case, originally filed in Nassau County Supreme Court on September 23, was later moved to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Levittown Union Free School District is the named defendant.
What The Recordings Revealed
According to the lawsuit, the incidents took place across several days in March 2024 while the student (“A.V.”) was being transported to East Broadway Elementary School. Another student recorded the bus matron making harsh and derogatory comments toward A.V., including telling him that no one liked him, that he had no friends, and that she wished he could ride a different bus. The recordings also captured the matron instructing students to raise their hands if they were “sick” of him. The bus driver can be heard encouraging the students to join in. When A.V.’s parents were given copies of the recordings on March 22, 2024, they immediately notified school administrators. The school district removed both employees from their routes pending an investigation.
Impact on the Child
The complaint states that A.V. suffered significant emotional harm as a result of the taunting by trusted adults. He became fearful of boarding the bus, required increased therapeutic intervention, and developed heightened anxiety connected to transportation. His parents have since taken on the responsibility of driving him to and from school.
Claims Against The School District
The lawsuit alleges that Levittown Union Free School District failed in its duty to protect a disabled child in its care. Claims include negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, violations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, violations of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and loss of services. The complaint argues that the district ignored red flags, failed to properly monitor its transportation staff, and did not provide the accommodations or protections required by federal disability law.
How This Case Impacts New York Families
Students with disabilities are at higher risk for bullying and mistreatment, especially when they rely on school-provided services such as transportation. Under both state and federal law, districts must ensure that all staff interacting with students are properly trained, supervised, and monitored. When a district entrusts employees with the care of vulnerable children, it also carries a legal obligation to prevent discrimination, harassment, and emotional or psychological harm. A.V.’s case is crystal clear how quickly that trust can be broken when oversight fails.
The Family’s Legal Position
The family argues that the treatment captured on the recordings was not an isolated lapse in judgment but a complete breakdown in basic safeguards. The complaint emphasizes that a disabled elementary-age child should never be subjected to such treatment by adults responsible for his safety. According to the lawsuit, the district’s response was reactive and insufficient, and meaningful protections must be implemented to prevent similar harm to other students.
Has Your Family Been Harmed By School Bullying?
Bullying can cause deep emotional and psychological harm, not only to a child but to the entire family. No parent should have to confront this pain alone or try to navigate a school system that refuses to follow the rules meant to protect students.
At LegalAlly.com, we are here to help. With Adam Mandell’s unique background enforcing DASA — New York’s Dignity for All Students Act, which requires schools to prevent and address bullying and harassment — Legal Ally works directly with families to ensure their child’s rights are upheld and their concerns are taken seriously.
For families outside New York, Legal Ally can help connect you with a trusted attorney through our national network, offering high-quality representation without the high cost of a large firm.
Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to learn without fear.
If your child has experienced bullying, hazing, or sexual harassment at school, you may have legal options. Attorney Adam T. Mandell brings more than 15 years of experience representing school districts, giving him rare insight into how districts operate — and how to hold them accountable. Whether the harm occurred in New York or another state, Legal Ally is ready to help.
Contact Legal Ally to request a free case review.