A Louisville family says they were forced to take extraordinary measures after becoming increasingly concerned about the treatment of their autistic, non-verbal son at school.
According to multiple local reports, the parents of 7-year-old Semaj Lee secretly placed a small recording device inside their son’s hair after noticing what they described as unusual behavioral changes and repeated disciplinary complaints coming from school officials.
The child attends Field Elementary School in Louisville, Kentucky.
The hidden camera allegedly captured disturbing interactions between the child and a staff member inside a special education classroom, sparking an ongoing investigation by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and local authorities.
@p_newzs VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED!! Teacher terrorize a autistic non-verbal child in the classroom. The mother suspected abuse and hides camera in her sons ponytail!!#p#pnewzsl#louisvillekentuckyj#jcpsj#justiceforsemaja#autism ♬ Sad – Max-Music
Semaj’s mother, Tiphanee Lee, said she became suspicious after receiving repeated reports about her son’s behavior that she believed did not match his personality at home.
Because her son is non-verbal and unable to explain what was happening during the school day, Lee said she felt she had no choice but to document events herself.
“I ordered a camera to be my son’s eyes, his ears, his voice,” Lee told reporters.
According to the family, the recording captured audio of a staff member aggressively speaking to the child while other adults were allegedly present in the room.
Portions of the footage reportedly include sounds of physical struggle and the child crying and yelling phrases such as “Get off of me now!” and “Get out of here!”
JCPS confirmed that the district has launched an investigation into the allegations.
In statements released to local media, school officials said the employee involved has been reassigned or prohibited from entering the school building while the investigation continues. Child Protective Services and JCPS police are also reportedly involved.
Field Elementary principal Deb Rivera told parents in a letter that administrators are taking the accusations seriously and are working with district officials to review the situation.
The case has generated strong reactions online and renewed conversations about protections for non-verbal and special-needs students in schools.
Advocates and parents have pointed to the difficulties many disabled children face when attempting to report mistreatment or abuse.
Lee is now calling for surveillance cameras to be installed in classrooms serving non-verbal and special-needs students, arguing that families should never have to question whether their children are safe while at school.
“No parent should have to question whether their child is safe at school,” Lee said during a press conference. “No child should suffer in silence because they cannot speak.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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🚨 Black mother catches HORRIFIC RACIST abuse of her nonverbal autistic son on hidden camera.
School: Field Elementary School, 120 Sacred Heart Lane, Louisville, KY 40206
White Teacher: Robert Ransdell (ECE Assistant)
For months the school claimed her sweet son was “abusive”… pic.twitter.com/ez7vrOQ3O2
— i Expose Racists & Pedo’s (@SeeRacists) May 15, 2026
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