SCRANTON, Pa. — The parents of a student in Lackawanna County are suing their son's school district in federal court because they say his bully stabbed his bottom with a pencil late last year and sent him to the hospital.
Months later, the Valley View School District student's wound is not healing naturally and will likely require surgery, according to a complaint filed by attorney Drew Christian. Christian declined to comment.
In a filing Friday, the school district demanded a jury trial on charges they failed to keep the boy safe.
It's not the first time that this alleged bully reportedly put the student in the hospital, according to the complaint. In April 2022, the perpetrator punched his classmate and threw him to the ground, causing a head injury.
That injury required treatment in an emergency room and the district told the student's parents they planned on "pressing charges."
The victim, who has disabilities and difficulties communicating and socializing, also had his special education program ended to include more one-on-one aide for his safety.
As time went on, however, the victim's parents heard no word the district actually sought charges for the 2022 attack. They also alleged the district only rarely provided one-to-one aide.
The physical and emotional bullying continued.
In November, the plaintiff's alleged tormentor stabbed him through his pants with a pencil and caused a rectal injury. He screamed in pain and ran bleeding to the bathroom.
It was unclear if the alleged perpetrator faced charges. The complaint claims the perpetrator continues to harass the boy in school.
The boy and his parents are seeking damages on five counts that include failure to provide educational services, failure to supervise and failure to train.
The school district has not yet responded to the suit.
Attempts to reach attorney William J. McPartland, who represents the district, were not successful.
