BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A middle school in Washington state was alerted that one of their students has special needs and does best in a quiet place.
But his mom says the space they moved him to is definitely not the answer.
She took a photo when they came to school on Monday to find his new quiet learning place was in a functioning bathroom — the 11-year-old’s desk was over a toilet.
"Sad, stressed, embarrassed,” said Lucas Goodwin.
The look of disgust is clear on Lucas’ face.
“I was like, ‘How is this happening? How am I in the bathroom? Why?" he said.
His mom, Danielle, says the teacher also gave him a camping mat to nap on the bathroom floor.
“I was so shocked. I just took the picture because I didn't believe what I was seeing,” Danielle said.
Lucas has autism and an autoimmune disorder.
When they found the desk in the bathroom, Danielle asked if there was another option. She says the teacher said no.
"It’s not an appropriate place for anyone. But especially for Lucas, who with his PANDAS condition, can't be around germs. That's something that can really affect his body,” she said.
Lucas says he doesn't want to go back to Whatcom Middle School.
"Oh yeah, well just put them in the bathroom. Perfect space.” Lucas said. “That's not fine."
