A 12-year-old autistic boy was attacked by a group of bullies on his school bus, according to a disturbing video.
The incident occurred on a bus in Independence, Missouri, a town just east of Kansas City.
Matthew Jordan Jr., the victim, told FOX4 that the bullying began when one of his peers kept touching his hair.
The boy's parents say this then escalated into the violence that was seen on the video obtained by the local outlet.
Multiple students were seen punching, hitting and grabbing Matthew while he screamed at them to stop. The students, while laughing, continued assaulting him.
'I felt sad, raged up and angry,' Matthew said in an interview. When asked if he thought something like this could happen to him, he responded: 'Yes, because I have autism.'
Matthew Jordan Sr., the boy's father, said it hurt to hear his son say his autism has invited bullying from others.
His parents say this incident was not isolated and part of a much larger pattern of bullying he has experienced at his school.
Matthew Jordan Jr., a 12 year-old in Missouri, was repeatedly punched and grabbed by bullies on his school bus. He said he is a target because he is autistic
Pictured: The town of Independence, Missouri, where the incident on the school bus occurred
'My main concern was his safety – him leaving the home outside of my hands, things of that sort. I can only imagine how many times he cried for us,' said his mother Tiara Jenkins.
The family said they have brought concerns to the Fort Osage School District, which allegedly did not take them seriously.
In a statement to FOX4, the school district said it was 'deeply troubled by the video of this incident'.
'Our thoughts are with the student and family impacted. We are taking this situation seriously, and we understand the concern this causes for our entire school community,' the statement continued.
'Our team has been investigating this situation and appropriate disciplinary actions are being taken in accordance with Board of Education policies,' added the school district. 'We have been and will continue to partner with the family to ensure their child has a positive educational experience.'
Matthew Jordan Sr. said what the school district has done so far is insufficient.
'Do better. Do better because at the end of the day it’s easy to make a long statement and make it sound good but I’m all about action,' he said.
Matthew returned to school the day after the bullying, even after he was recovering from injuries. His parents said they admire his courage.
Matthew's parents are demanding accountability and further action from the Fort Osage School District
'I’m just super proud of Matthew. He’s my light. I can’t go a minute without thinking about what they’re doing,' Jenkins said.
The family said they will not transfer Matthew out of the school because it would mean the bullies have won.
Instead, they are seeking accountability and action from the school district.