Professor suspended after reports of assaulting autistic son

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Robert Pratt, 59, was arrested on the university’s campus last Thursday, Dec. 7, after Oconee County High School officials reported he assaulted his son, who has autism, on Wednesday morning, according to Oconee County Sheriff’s incident report.

In an emailed statement from Oconee County Schools, communication director Anisa Jimenez said the morning of the incident the “20-year old student had a behavioral episode and was supervised in a school conference room while waiting for his father to arrive.”

Once arriving to the school, Pratt told his son to “get up” and “what is wrong with you?” while his son was balled up on the ground,” according to the police report.

Pratt then allegedly slapped the student’s arms and torso, according to a video turned into investigators by a staff member.

The student attempted to fight back until his father kicked him while continuing to hit the student with closed-fist punches. When the student turned over to avoid further assault, Pratt began punching his son in the back and and thighs, according to the incident report.

After several minutes, Pratt demanded his son to get up and staff members escorted the student to a car to be taken home.

Pratt was charged with exploiting a disabled adult and simple battery, according to the report.

Pratt was later released from the Oconee County Jail on a $20,000 bond.