Education Minister Sonia Parag has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations of abuse at the David Rose Special Education Needs School after a video surfaced appearing to show students being mistreated by teachers at the institution.
In a statement issued Thursday, Parag said she was “deeply disturbed and hurt” by the footage, which has been widely circulated on social media and appears to depict acts of abuse against students attending the Georgetown-based school.
“No child should ever be subjected to such treatment, particularly within a school environment entrusted with their care, development and protection,” the minister said. “Our children with special educational needs, as all children do, deserve patience, compassion, dignity and love.”
The minister announced that the two teachers seen in the video will be placed on administrative leave effective Friday, May 29, pending the outcome of a full and impartial investigation.
According to Parag, the investigation is expected to be completed by Monday, June 1, with relevant reports and recommendations submitted to the Ministry of Education for action.
“The Ministry of Education will exert the fullest extent of its authority and resources to ensure that this matter is addressed urgently and appropriately,” she said. “We will not allow any educator to perpetuate abuse against children with special needs, or indeed against any child within our school system.”
The incident has sparked public outrage and concern among parents and advocates for children with disabilities, prompting calls for greater oversight and accountability within special education institutions.
Addressing affected families, Parag acknowledged the distress caused by the video and emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the education system.
“As parents, guardians and caregivers, you place enormous trust in our education system each day when you send your children to school. That trust must never be violated,” she said.
The minister noted that the government has invested heavily in strengthening special education services and said the allegations run contrary to the values and standards expected throughout the school system.
As part of the ministry’s immediate response, Parag announced plans to establish a Board of Governors for the school. The body will include parent representatives and is intended to strengthen oversight, accountability and engagement between the institution and the families it serves.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students and ensuring that every child is treated with dignity and respect.
The investigation remains ongoing.