Parents in West Hempstead are taking legal action, claiming the school district failed to act on alleged abuse by a special education teacher.

A new lawsuit says staff members who witness the abuse did not report it, even though they are legally required to.

Court documents accuse John O’Dwyer of repeatedly hitting and kicking students and even striking them with textbooks.

The lawsuit also details other serious allegations, including forcing students to drink vinegar and locking them in dark closets.

O'Dwyer was a special education teacher at Cornwell Elementary School between 2020 and 2024.

As News 12 has reported, O’Dwyer pleaded not guilty to endangerment charges.

The district says it does not comment on pending litigation but has previously said it reported the allegations when it learned of them.