Parents and advocates demand accountability after alleged abuse of nonverbal Plano ISD student
Loading...
Summary
Multiple family members and advocates called on the Plano City Council to address a months‑long delay in sending an alleged classroom‑assault case involving a medically vulnerable, nonverbal 19‑year‑old to the district attorney, and to require transparent, unbiased reporting by Plano Police Department and school SROs.
Several family members and advocates used the council’s public comment period to press for accountability and quicker action after they say a nonverbal, medically vulnerable student was assaulted inside a Plano ISD classroom in January 2025.
Celestia Nelson told the council she had endured “395 days of waiting” and that the case did not reach the district attorney until November, calling the delay unacceptable for a vulnerable victim. "If this were your child, would it take 303 days to be acceptable?" she asked, calling on the city to treat disabled victims with urgency.
Her spouse, Alvin Nelson, amplified the allegations and said state Adult Protective Services experts who reviewed video evidence had substantiated abuse and endangerment. "They substantiated the abuse and endangerment. However, the Plano SRO school police officer and detective looked at the same evidence and made a wrong call, dismissing as noncriminal," he said, urging the council to ensure the Plano Police Department provides the district attorney with an accurate, unbiased file that includes APS findings.
Other commenters—an aunt, friends and local residents—echoed the request that the council and city manager press for transparency and faster investigations so that disabled students are not deprioritized. Speakers distributed a QR code with video evidence and asked officials to review it.
The council acknowledged the comments during the meeting but did not take immediate, publicly recorded investigatory action during the session. Council members thanked speakers for coming forward and indicated staff would follow up within the bounds of ongoing investigations and legal constraints.
Next steps: family members requested direct follow up with city staff; the transcript records requests and strong public pressure but does not show a formal staff action or vote mandating a specific investigatory step in open session.
