Park Hills, MO (KSDK) - A 14-year-old boy who has Down syndrome has been suspended from school due to alleged behavioral issues.
"He got suspended for sexual harassment for giving the school bus driver aide a hug," said Tonia Fujimoto, who is Aleczander's mother.
Aleczander is a student at Central Middle School in the Central R-3 School District.
"If you know Down syndrome children, they're very loving," said Fujimoto. "And they're going to display more public affection than anyone else is going to display."
Central R-3 School District Superintendent Dr. Desi Mayberry says due to privacy considerations he is not able to discuss this case. However, Mayberry believes school officials took appropriate disciplinary action.
Fujimoto showed NewsChannel 5 a notice from district officials which reads: "Alec approached (the school bus aide) on the bus for a hug and she told him no and tried to push him off her. He proceeded to lay on her and (mimic a sex act, while clothed). She tried to push him off her and hollered for help. When she finally was able to get him off of her, he ran to the back of the bus. After a lot of coaxing, Alec finally got up and got off the bus."
Regarding the alleged sex act, Alec's mother said, "There was no such thing. He was excited. And I feel like when he gets excited and he hugs me, it's like Christmas morning. He'll come up and give me a hug you know. And he'll be jumping up and down. And I feel like that may be what she experienced. I don't think his act was sexual in nature. He gives people hugs all the time."
Fujimoto says school officials tell her there is security video of the alleged incident, but they will not show it to her.
"When it comes to them not showing me the video, I think I'm getting my rights taken away as a parent," she said. "I just feel like they should let me see the videotape. And let me see what they're accusing my son of."
The notice from district officials reads "This incident has been referred to juvenile."
"I think that's stupid," said Fujimoto. "I mean who puts a child with Down syndrome in juvenile."
Regarding the video of the alleged incident, Dr. Mayberry says they do not make a practice of sharing such videos with parents.
Juvenile prosecutors said they could not discuss whether charges will be filed because of Fujimoto's underage status.
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