ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - The mother of a St. Joseph public school student says in in a lawsuit that the district did not help her daughter when she was being bullied by classmates.
Frances Keitz contends the bullying included death threats and physical and verbal abuse against her daughter, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The St. Joseph News-Press reports Keitz alleges students at Skaith Elementary School pulled her daughter's hair around her throat to choke her, told her to hang herself, threatened to kill her and kicked her in the head.
Keitz says she repeatedly asked district administrators to protect her daughter but they did nothing.
The alleged abuse occurred during the 2015-16 school year.
Statement from the St. Joseph School District:
“The concerns that are raised in this lawsuit were investigated and addressed, but we are unable to discuss specific disciplinary action taken against any student,” said Dr. Robert Newhart, SJSD superintendent. “Additionally, with respect to the claims in the lawsuit, we can’t respond without potentially violating the privacy rights of the student involved in this suit or other students. But, if we could provide additional information, you would know that this lawsuit does not provide a full or accurate account of what has transpired between Frances Keitz and the district. The district has already prevailed once on claims brought by Mrs. Keitz, which is a reminder that there are two sides to every story, and that the allegations of a lawsuit are not proof that anything improper actually occurred.”
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
LATEST STORIES
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Falls City Council approves permit for goats in city limits
Grant awarded to Falls City Library and Arts Center
Nebraska City man to serve on Peru State College Foundation Board
Fairfax man injured in tractor accident in Atchison County MO
Doniphan Co Commission approves zoning change
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Sheriff: phone call promises of free money is a scam