INDIANAPOLIS — Attorneys for the family of a Ben Davis High School student who was allegedly assaulted by a physical education teacher at the school are speaking out about an agreement to reinstate the teacher.
Don Carlisle, a teacher and varsity boys' basketball coach at the school, is accused of assaulting the 15-year-old student during gym class on Sept. 6, 2023.
The MSD of Wayne Township school board announced the agreement on Monday with Carlisle to return to work next school year, with provisions. As part of the agreement, Carlisle will take an anger management course. He must also not be arrested for one year on any other incident.
Lawyers for the teen's family shared a statement with 13News Wednesday, saying the boy was "subjected to an unacceptable and egregious act of violence" by a "person who was in a position of authority and trust."
The incident was recorded on video.
"The video depicts the coach pushing this young man to the floor and hitting him repeatedly," the attorneys' statement continued. "Any allegation that our client harmed or attacked this school employee in any manner that would result in such an excessive and abusive response is refuted by the video evidence in this case."
Carlisle was put on administrative leave less than a week after the alleged assault. The school later named an interim coach to take over Carlisle's position with the boys basketball team.
In announcing the agreement that will allow the coach and teacher back at the school in the fall, the school board said Carlisle was afforded due process, and the agreement "provides an opportunity for Mr. Carlisle to continue making valuable contributions to the community."
"This action not only demonstrates a shocking disregard for student welfare in Wayne Township Schools but also amounts to institutional negligence of the highest order," the statement from the teen victim's attorneys read. "Rehiring an individual who has abused their authority so flagrantly is not only a failure of the school's duty to protect its students but is also a morally reprehensible act that undermines the very essence of a safe educational environment."
Carlisle responded, "No comment" in response to a 13News request for a statement after the reinstatement agreement was announced.
His attorney, Katie Jackson-Lindsay, shared the following statement with 13News Tuesday afternoon:
"Don Carlisle has a reputation in this community as a committed licensed educator as well as a decorated and dedicated coach. He’s made it his life’s work to be an educator and mentor in the Indianapolis community. The decisions of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office not to pursue charges and Wayne Township to reinstate his employment after thorough investigations will allow Coach Carlisle to continue in this spirit of service and continue his legacy of great work."
The statement from the attorneys for the teen's family said they are pursuing "all appropriate legal avenues to address this matter."