Thurau's nationwide examination of decades of lawsuits involving Tasers, also called "Conducted Electrical Weapons," found the devices were used on a disproportionate number of children of color and children with disabilities.

Washington says her son fits that description and attends a specialized school.

"A 14-year-old. A special needs 14-year-old, who has disorders, who do not understand what is going on," she said.