A former Paintsville High School student has filed a federal lawsuit against school officials for their alleged mishandling of months of abuse suffered at the hands of classmates – including a physical attack that may have left permanent vision damage. Benjamin Pugh is the lawyer for the minor referred to in the suit. He said the verbal abuse, threats and attack took place during the fall semester.
“RJ was experiencing some bullying from other students, partly due to the color of his skin, and partly due to his religious beliefs. And the bullying intensified over a period of time.”
Pugh said the boy, whose mother is Hispanic, was subjected to repeated slurs aimed at his skin color and Catholic faith.
“His mother worked at the school and was aware of the situation and was diligent in reporting these incidents to the principal, the vice principal and his teachers. And not much was done.”
The suit claims the principal told the boy’s mother that he should respond physically and she’d look the other way. It’s also alleged the student was told his house would be burned down and his cats, crucified.
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