We are the plaintiffs of Wright v. New York, and this is why we are fighting for educational justice for all parents.

“Kids shouldn’t have to go to school and be scared of their teachers.”

My name is Laurie Townsend and I’m a mother from Queens, NY. I am fighting on behalf of my son, Nakia Townsend, Jr., who is 11 years old. When Nakia was in 2nd grade, his science teacher shoved him and when Nakia was in 4th grade, the same teacher targeted my son again and shook him by the shoulders. I filed several complaints with Nakia’s school and even pursued a solution through the Department of Education. Even though I was told my claims were substantiated, the teacher was able to eventually return to the school and create an environment of fear.

This is unacceptable. As a parent, I trust schools to provide my son, and all children, a safe and productive educational environment.

I am standing up because we are out of options, and because this is not just about my son. There are so many other kids in our state in similar circumstances. No parent or child should have to go through what we have.