A disturbing incident at a Texas elementary school is reigniting debates over the treatment of students with disabilities.
McKenna Lombardo, a 10-year-old fifth grader with autism and learning disabilities, was handcuffed and detained by police at her school, CER Intermediate, after being accused of aggressive behavior.
The incident, caught on police body cameras, has drawn outrage from her family and disability advocacy groups, especially in light of a new Texas law aimed at limiting the use of restraints on young children.
The Incident
According to a police report, school administrators called law enforcement after McKenna allegedly threw markers, physically blocked her associate principal, and pinned the administrator’s arm against a door frame. The video shows officers escorting McKenna to the bathroom, where she refused to come out.
When McKenna began walking back toward the door, officers restrained her, with one stating, “Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”
The girl’s pleas to retrieve her shoes were ignored, and she was eventually placed in handcuffs.
Throughout the video, administrators repeatedly informed officers that McKenna’s father, Matt Lombardo, was on his way. Lombardo, a former police officer, arrived shortly after and begged for his daughter to be released. However, officers insisted she was being detained, citing charges of assault on a public servant.
A Troubling Legal Battle
Initially believing the school’s account, Lombardo later reviewed the body camera footage, which left him outraged.
“My anger turned to rage,” he said, accusing officers of coercing staff into pressing charges against his daughter.
Conversations caught on video reveal staff and officers discussing whether to file charges.
One officer stated, “She’s in handcuffs, so she’s going,” while another suggested, “If it’ll help, we can file.”
McKenna faced two assault charges—one for the alleged incident before police arrived and another for her actions in the bathroom. However, during a July 31 hearing, Montgomery County officials dismissed all charges against her.
Violations of the “No Kids in Cuffs” Law?
The arrest has drawn scrutiny under Texas’s recently enacted “No Kids in Cuffs” law, which prohibits restraining students in fifth grade or below unless they pose an immediate risk to themselves or others.
Advocates argue that McKenna was not an imminent threat when officers handcuffed her, making the restraint unnecessary and potentially illegal.
“This situation goes against the intent of the law,” said Senator Royce West, who authored the legislation. Disability advocacy groups echoed these concerns, criticizing the use of restraints on a vulnerable child.
Systemic Disparities in Discipline
Data reveals troubling disparities in how children with disabilities and minority students are disciplined in Texas. According to CBS data, students with disabilities are restrained at significantly higher rates than their peers. At CER Intermediate, 4% of students with disabilities were restrained in 2021, compared to less than 0.5% statewide.
“This is a stark difference,” said Ginger Allen of CBS Texas, who has been investigating similar cases for years.
McKenna’s Voice and Family’s Plea
Reflecting on the ordeal, McKenna expressed fear and confusion.
“I didn’t think I was going to get arrested,” she said.
Her father is now calling for greater accountability, stressing the psychological impact such incidents can have on children.
“I don’t want this to happen to anybody else, younger or older than me,” McKenna said.
Calls for Reform
Advocates are urging Texas schools and law enforcement to revisit policies regarding the treatment of students with disabilities. The Conroe Independent School District has yet to release its policies on arrests and restraints, citing privacy concerns.
“This incident highlights the need for stronger safeguards to ensure that children with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect,” said an advocate from the Minat Foundation.
McKenna’s family remain determined to prevent similar incidents and are pushing for systemic change in how schools handle disciplinary issues involving vulnerable students.
