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Parent Sues After Teacher Allegedly Gave Melatonin to Special‑Needs Class

Allegations that students were dosed without consent and caused medical and behavioral harm, which the district says it only learned of from a whistleblower, raise fresh questions about medication rules and school oversight.

Overview

  • The lawsuit says a teacher and aides gave melatonin each morning to a class of students with cognitive disabilities for about two months in September 2024.
  • School principals noticed the entire class napping midday for roughly six weeks before a staff member reported the dosing and identified affected students.
  • The parent filed the civil suit in late May 2026 alleging assault, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress and describing bloody noses, motor loss, emotional dysregulation and sleep disruption.
  • Baltimore County Public Schools confirmed the teacher is no longer employed and the district and principal have asked a court to dismiss claims against them, saying they had no prior knowledge of the alleged conduct.
  • Court records note school policy allows only a nurse or properly trained staff to give medication, and the case joins a string of recent allegations nationally that have prompted scrutiny of special‑education medication practices and reporting procedures.