Tulsa Parent Sues School District Over Assault of Special Needs Student

Gibson Dunn attorney Karin Portlock speaks out about lawsuit against Tulsa Public Schools.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A parent has filed a lawsuit against Tulsa Public Schools alleging that the district failed to protect a special needs student who was brutally assaulted by a teaching assistant. Gibson Dunn partner Karin Portlock was interviewed by local TV stations about the case, describing the incident captured on school surveillance cameras as "a gruesome assault of a vulnerable child" that "should never happen to a human being, especially a student within the care of the school system."

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and well-being of special needs students in public schools, where incidents of abuse and neglect have unfortunately occurred. The lawsuit seeks to hold the Tulsa school district accountable for allegedly failing to protect a vulnerable student under its care.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that a special needs student was brutally assaulted by a teaching assistant, with the incident captured on school surveillance cameras. Gibson Dunn partner Karin Portlock, who is representing the parent in the case, described the footage as "a gruesome assault of a vulnerable child" that "should never happen to a human being, especially a student within the care of the school system."

  • The lawsuit was filed in February 2026.

The players

Karin Portlock

A partner at the law firm Gibson Dunn who is representing the parent in the lawsuit against Tulsa Public Schools.

Tulsa Public Schools

The school district that is being sued for allegedly failing to protect a special needs student from a brutal assault by a teaching assistant.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen this video. It's a gruesome assault of a vulnerable child. It is something that is just horrific to see and should never happen to a human being, especially a student within the care of the school system.”

— Karin Portlock, Partner, Gibson Dunn (KTUL and KJRH)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the school district's motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for public schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, especially those with special needs who are most vulnerable. It raises important questions about accountability and oversight within the school system.