A harrowing incident involving the alleged unlawful restraint of a child with disabilities has sparked a legal battle against the New York City Department of Education and other associated parties. On December 4, 2025, L.A., on behalf of her minor son A.A., filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the New York City Department of Education, its Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Superintendent Roderick Palton, Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the New York City Police Department.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on December 9, 2024, at Tottenville High School in Staten Island. A.A., a sixteen-year-old student diagnosed with Level 3 autism spectrum disorder, was allegedly subjected to violent restraint by school staff and a School Safety Agent. According to the complaint, A.A.'s assigned paraprofessional Angelo Novello slapped his hand and violently restrained him against a wall without provocation. The situation escalated when Dean Matthew Galati reportedly placed A.A. in a chokehold before School Safety Agent L. Rivera handcuffed him with metal restraints. This sequence of events left A.A. with physical injuries and emotional trauma.
L.A., upon learning about the incident through a misleading account from Angelo, rushed to the school only to find her son visibly distressed and marked by wrist injuries from handcuffs. Surveillance footage later contradicted Angelo's claims that A.A. had been aggressive or violent during the incident. Despite this evidence, school authorities initially suggested disciplinary action against A.A., citing accountability for students with disabilities.
The plaintiff alleges violations of multiple laws including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as constitutional rights under both federal and state law. The complaint argues that these actions constituted disability-based discrimination and excessive force contrary to established guidelines for handling students with disabilities.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for A.A.'s physical pain and emotional distress alongside declaratory relief acknowledging violations of federal and state laws by defendants. Additionally, it demands systemic changes within New York City Public Schools to prevent future occurrences of such unlawful restraints on students with disabilities.
Representing L.A., attorneys from Legal Services NYC along with Christopher A. Suarez and Elinoam Abramov from Steptoe LLP are advocating for comprehensive training for school staff interacting with disabled students as part of corrective measures sought through this litigation process.
Source: 125cv06697_LA_v_New_York_City_Department_of_Education_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf