A young woman, neglected by a school system designed to support her, was allegedly able to graduate without knowing how to read or write, having suffered bullying and harassment at the hands of her teachers.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Aleysha Ortiz struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, and a speech impediment. This makes her time in traditional education facilities a challenge. Ortiz spoke of how she was always desperate to learn, but her school simply neglected to help.
Throughout her educational career in Hartford Public Schools, she was pushed to the side. Speaking to WTNH, she recalled how she would make it clear she needed extra time and help. She said, "Every first day of school, I would tell the teacher I cannot read and write so please be patient for me, so everyone knew."
However, despite her clarity and request for patience and guidance, she said she often found she was left alone. She said, "I would cry knowing the people who had big titles knew this was happening, and no one stepped up to do something about it."
Because of this, she claims she was able to graduate without the necessary education she required to learn even the most simple things. Now, she is looking to sue, not just for the negligence she experienced, but also to raise awareness of the failing school systems.
Graduate Seeks Lawsuit Against Special Ed Teacher
The graduate left out of the education system is trying to sue the Hartford Board of Education. The lawsuit also includes the City of Hartford, and Tilda Santiago, her special education teacher. Ortiz seeks to claim $30 million.
Initially, her lawsuit claims that the board was unable to facilitate her disabilities. "Learning disabilities were not properly addressed by the Board, and as a result, she continued to struggle academically," she states.
Furthermore, she claims her teacher was abusive. Recalling her experience with Santiago, she said she would "yell at, belittle, and humiliate [Ortiz] in front of other students and teachers. Ortiz would frequently run to other teachers and/or administrators in tears and emotional distress."
She claims she had been failed by the education system and still allowed to graduate. Now, she will have to continue, unfit for many jobs. This is, partly, why she is looking to sue. However, there is a bigger issue she hopes to raise, also.
Ortiz is hoping that she can ensure other students don't go through the same situation. "'Education is so important and I believe we've forgotten the meaning of it," she said. "I'm willing and determined to support students in need."
