A Teacher Dragged a 6-Year-Old With Autism by His Ankle. Federal Civil Rights Officials Might Not Do Anything.

Published: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 9:00 am

Illinois School for Students with Disabilities Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Allegations of Abuse and Lack of Oversight

**Jacksonville, IL** - The Garrison School, part of the Four Rivers Special Education District in Illinois, is under scrutiny following a recent incident where a teacher was charged with battery for allegedly dragging a 6-year-old autistic student down a hallway. This incident, captured on video, has reignited concerns about the school's disciplinary practices and the future of federal oversight.

The school, which serves students with disabilities, has a history of controversial disciplinary methods. A 2022 investigation by ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune revealed the school frequently involved police and used methods that raised concerns. The U.S. Department of Education directed the district to change its practices, but the future of this oversight is now uncertain. The federal office responsible for monitoring the district was abolished during the Trump administration, and there has been no communication from the Education Department since.

The recent incident involved a substitute teacher, Rhea Drake, who allegedly dragged the non-verbal student, Xander Reed, after he refused to participate in a physical education activity. Drake has pleaded not guilty. The incident led to the teacher being charged with misdemeanor battery.

Xander's parents, who enrolled him at Garrison due to a lack of other options, expressed concerns about his fear of attending school and the continued use of police intervention. Despite the district's claims of reform, police have been called to the school at least 30 times since August, and six students have been arrested this school year.

While the police chief suggests that staff are now handling more behavioral issues internally, the ongoing arrests and the lack of federal oversight raise serious questions about the safety and well-being of students at Garrison School.

BNN's Perspective: While the incident is concerning, it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by schools serving students with disabilities. The lack of federal oversight is a significant issue, but the focus should be on finding solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

Keywords: Garrison School, Four Rivers Special Education District, Illinois, autism, special education, student with disabilities, disciplinary practices, teacher battery, police involvement, federal oversight, U.S. Department of Education, Xander Reed, Rhea Drake, student arrests, school safety, child abuse, education, Jacksonville, ProPublica, Chicago Tribune.

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