LOUISVILLE (WAVE) - Louisville attorney Teddy Gordon announced on Tuesday that he is representing several students who say they were bullied and their parents in lawsuits against Jefferson County Public Schools.
"I am asking (Superintendent) Dr. (Donna) Hargens, I am asking all the principals, all the teachers and all the administrators that if you have a case of bullying reported to you that you properly investigate and protect our kids. If not, I'm going to come after you," Gordon said. He announced the lawsuits in his downtown office with several parents and allegedly bullied students present.
Some of the abuse allegations are shocking, including a report of a student being hung from a hook in a restroom stall. The boy suffered serious injuries. Another case involves a girl from Lassiter Middle School who allegedly was sexually assaulted on her 20-minute bus ride home. Her lawsuit states that the students accused of the crime were allowed back on the girl's bus after a short suspension. The victim's mother, Crystal Bennett, is outraged.
"I send my child to school and anybody behind me sends their kids to school for safety and to get a good education. Not to be touched on, not to be bullied, I mean it's just getting outrageous," Bennett said.
Two of the cases Gordon announced allegedly happened at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. One student, who we will refer to as B.B., is now being home schooled because he's afraid to go back into the classroom.
"Since I, like, first started school, I've been bullied and harassed for a long time," said B.B. "And then when I tried out for the cheerleading team, it got worse, and I'm going through a lot."
"We ask for justice in a court of law because we're not getting it in the Jefferson County Public Schools," Gordon said. He added that additional bullying-related lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming months.
JCPS officials said is it district policy to not comment on pending litigation.
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Students who say they were bullied, accompanied by their parents and attorney.
"B.B." said he's afraid to go back into the classroom.
"B.B." was comforted by his family after speaking to the media.
Attorney Teddy Gordon announced the lawsuit against JCPS on Tuesday.
The lawsuits detail several cases of alleged bullying.
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