Charles EstherA school director in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is facing serious charges alongside three staff members after allegedly running what authorities describe as a “makeshift child fight club”.
The accusations have caused widespread outrage among parents and the community.
Director and Staff Arrested
Mary Tracy Morrison, 50, owner and director of The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain and its Engage program, was arrested on April 21, 2025.
Along with Morrison, three other staff members — Kathrine Lipscomb, 45, Michael Bean, 38, and Kristin Bell, 36 — were also taken into custody.
Each of them faces charges related to permitting child abuse at the educational facility.
Disturbing Evidence Uncovered
According to prosecutors, video evidence was recovered showing children being encouraged to physically assault each other.
In one shocking instance, a teacher was allegedly seen instructing a student to hit another child in a private area.
Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood described Morrison as the “ringleader” of these incidents.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During the initial court hearing, Morrison’s bail was set at $250,000, while Lipscomb’s was fixed at $100,000.
Bean and Bell received lower bail amounts of $10,000 each.
All defendants have been ordered to have no contact with the victims or the school premises while investigations continue.
Heartbroken Parents Speak Out
Renee Johns, a parent whose two autistic children attended the Engage program, has come forward with claims of mistreatment.
Johns alleges that her son suffered a head injury after another student hit him with a book — an incident she believes was part of the toxic environment fostered at the school.
She also said her daughter’s education had been severely neglected, learning only after transferring that her daughter was academically far behind.
Investigation Ongoing
Prosecutors have filed a motion to seal case documents for 90 days to protect the identities and privacy of the minor victims.
Authorities are continuing to review evidence, including surveillance footage and staff communications.
The next court appearance for the accused individuals is scheduled for May 22, 2025.
Community Demands Accountability
Parents, advocacy groups, and local residents are demanding the permanent closure of the Engage program.
Calls for a full investigation into both The Delta Institute and the broader oversight of private educational programs are growing louder.
Many are questioning how such serious allegations could have gone unnoticed for so long.
A Dark Day for Special Education
The Delta Institute was supposed to be a place of support for children with developmental needs.
Instead, the allegations suggest it became a dangerous environment where vulnerable children were exploited and harmed.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the affected children and preventing such a tragedy from happening again.
