Mom Sues School District After Teacher's Aide Accused of Abusing Student

The lawsuit alleges the aide used inappropriate physical force on a nonverbal student with autism on multiple occasions.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:35am

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A mother has filed a lawsuit against Greenwood School District 50 and an assistant teacher, Julie Gilbert, who was accused of forcefully pushing, pulling and dragging a nonverbal student with autism in a special needs class in 2024. The Greenwood County Sheriff's Office said Gilbert was captured on video restraining the student and striking her on the back. Gilbert was charged with four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child in May 2024. The mom is seeking damages from both Gilbert and the school district.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the treatment of students with special needs and the responsibility of school districts to properly train and oversee staff who work with vulnerable populations. The allegations raise questions about the district’s oversight and accountability measures for addressing abuse claims.

The details

According to the sheriff’s report, Gilbert was captured on video grabbing the student by the arm, pulling her up from the ground, restraining her with her legs, pushing the student’s head toward the ground, and striking and pushing the student on the back. Deputies also reviewed surveillance footage from prior weeks and identified four different student victims during the investigation. Gilbert was charged with four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child in May 2024.

  • The incident occurred in 2024 at Lakeview Elementary School.
  • Gilbert was charged in May 2024.
  • The lawsuit was filed on March 3, 2026.

The players

Julie Gilbert

A teacher's aide at Lakeview Elementary School who was accused of forcefully pushing, pulling and dragging a nonverbal student with autism.

Greenwood School District 50

The school district that is being sued by the mother of the student who was allegedly abused by Gilbert.

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What they’re saying

“[The victim] was lying on the ground under a table. Ms. Gilbert grabs [victim] by her left arm and pulls her up off the ground. Ms. Gilbert walks [victim] over to a chair and sits her down, while Ms. Gilbert sits in a chair directly behind her. Ms. Gilbert then wraps both of her legs around [victim] to restrain her. Ms. Gilbert initially sat there while restraining [victim] with her (Gilbert's) arms crossed; Ms. Gilbert appeared to be agitated. [The victim] was crying. Ms. Gilbert began using a cell phone. While holding the phone in one hand, Ms. Gilbert pushed [victim's] head toward the ground using her (Gilbert's) hand, then abruptly grabbed the back of [her] dress to pull her back up. Ms. Gilbert reached down and touched [victim] on her back, and [victim] responded as if it caused her physical pain. I couldn't clearly see what Ms. Gilbert did when she put her hands on [victim's] back. Ms. Gilbert continued restraining [victim] and then Ms. Gilbert used her forearms and elbow to strike and push [victim] on her back several times.”

— Deputy

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Gilbert to remain out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight, training, and accountability measures in schools to protect vulnerable students, especially those with special needs. The allegations raise serious concerns about the district’s failure to prevent and address abuse claims in a timely manner.