Schenectady Mom Battles School Over Disturbing Photo Involving Young Son

A mother is demanding answers from the Schenectady school district after seeing a disturbing image involving her second-grade son. An image that she says she should never have had to discover on her own.

Librarian's Foot on Her Son's Back

According to NewsChannel 13, Ashley Rivera says the photo shows her eight-year-old son, Gian, lying facedown on the floor at Lincoln Elementary School in Schenectady, with a librarian’s foot placed on his back.

Rivera says she was never officially notified by the school and only learned about the incident after another staff member took the photo on December 23rd and sent it to her personally.

“I don’t think it’s okay for her to put her foot on any child, especially a child with any type of disability,” Rivera told NewsChannel 13. She added that regardless of whether the action was disciplinary or meant as a joke, it was unacceptable.

What Should the School Have Done?

Rivera says her son has ADHD and struggles to express himself, which makes the situation even more concerning to her. She believes the school should have contacted her immediately rather than handling the situation internally.

According to the report, the district reportedly sent the librarian home for the day after the incident but allowed her to return following Christmas break. Rivera says that the response was not enough.

Rally Planned for Later Today

A rally is planned for Thursday at 2 p.m. outside the district offices on Liberty Street, where Rivera says she hopes to advocate not only for her son, but for other children with disabilities who may be unable or afraid to speak up.

In a statement to NewsChannel 13, the school district said the safety and well-being of students is its top priority and that it is aware of the image circulating on social media. The district added that it takes all allegations seriously but could not provide further details, citing it as a personnel matter.