Thirteen-year-old Levent goes to an Indianapolis middle school that’s been celebrated for its test scoresbut he’s behind academically. His mother, Shania, believes that’s because of how often he’s been disciplined and suspended.
Levent has ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which his school, Paramount Englewood, has documented as a disability. School records show he has been disciplined for misbehavior like repeatedly disrespecting teachers and for leaving campus during the school day, raising safety concerns; he’s been suspended for fighting, for “not following school rules” when he was already in trouble and for “horseplaying in the restroom.”
Amy Cupp hugs her daughter, G, for a portrait in her home in northern Indiana. G is 12 and has multiple disabilities. Cupp has filed a federal complaint over Gs treatment in school, but says the process stalled after Trumps cuts to the Education Department.
Families say school civil rights investigations have stalled after federal cuts
NPR is referring to both Levent and Shania, as well as the other student and parent in this story, by their middle names because the article describes the students’ disabilities and how they have been disciplined at school.
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