See You In Court, Teach

By Jeremy Caplan Monday, Apr. 26, 2004
    • Kids aren't the only ones afraid of classroom discipline these days. Teachers and other school officials are increasingly anxious about getting sued. Two-thirds of teachers surveyed said they worry at least as much about lawsuits as about test results. Such legal action has "a chilling effect on teachers' willingness to discipline students or even to pat them on the back," says John Mitchell of the American Federation of Teachers. Here are some recent school-related cases.

    Taping Trouble
    First-grade teacher Barbara Malenfant was suspended in March for using duct tape to quiet a chattery 6-year-old student. Status: The teacher could still face assault charges.

    Cruel Coach?
    Jennifer Besler sued a former coach, saying his verbal abuse and insistence that she lose weight led to an eating disorder. Status: A jury award of $1.5 million was later revoked by a judge.

    Watch Your Step
    Reyna Francisco sued after she was hurt jumping off a moving bus to avoid getting disciplined. Status: Settled for $200,000.

    Scare Tactics
    Principal David Samore was sued and suspended for pointing a toy gun at a student. Status: He has apologized, saying he was showing "even toy guns scare people."