The staff members chosen to be Thomas' teachers are instructed not to engage in discussion that does not relate to academics. Many times, nobody will visit Thomas' room for days, leaving him along with nothing but food that's machine-delivered and a blanket. He starts talking to the walls out of desperation for a fucking conversation. He's so blinded by the joy of having Dr. Paige as someone he can finally talk to that he's willing to overlook her atrocities. Fuck, he'll design them for her! Anything to stick around her for longer.
She invites Thomas to a committee meeting one night. Dr. Randall tries to protest at an eight-year-old being in the meeting, but Dr. Paige calmly replies that Thomas has earned a position at the table. Not only that, but he is an exceptionally bright student, and she is sure that he will provide valuable insight into the brain patterns of children. Furthermore, Dr. Paige has not forgotten how Dr. Randall completely violated protocol (he did not) and used a pain simulator to condition Thomas to his new name (a process that was thought of and approved by Dr. Paige herself), and she would appreciate it if Dr. Randall could restrain himself. He is scaring Thomas.