Key takeaways:
- The Newport News School Board argued that the teacher’s injuries fall under the state’s workers compensation act and cannot be addressed through her $40 million lawsuit.
- The board pointed to numerous incidents of violence against teachers across the U.S. and in Newport News.
- The school board is asking for the teacher’s lawsuit to be dismissed and the case is ongoing in the Newport News Circuit Court.
A Virginia school district is defending its position in a lawsuit brought by a teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student in the classroom. The Newport News School Board filed documents on Wednesday arguing that the teacher’s injuries fall under the state’s workers compensation act and cannot be addressed through her $40 million lawsuit.
The school board also rejected the teacher’s claim that she could reasonably expect to work with young children who pose no danger. The board pointed to numerous incidents of violence against teachers across the U.S. and in Newport News.
In its response to the teacher’s lawsuit, the school board stated that Abigail Zwerner was “clearly injured while at work, at her place of employment, by a student in the classroom.” The board is asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed.
Zwerner was shot in the shoulder in December 2018 by a 6-year-old student who had brought a gun to school. She was taken to a hospital and released the same day. Zwerner has since returned to teaching and has been vocal about her desire to see stricter gun control laws.
The case is ongoing and will be heard in the Newport News Circuit Court. It is unclear when a decision will be made.
Be First to Comment