LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Supreme Court has decided not to hear a civil lawsuit brought by parents of victims from the tragic Oxford High School shooting in 2021. The decision has left many parents grappling with disbelief and despair over the court’s ruling.
The lawsuit sought to hold the Oxford Community Schools district and its personnel accountable for the deaths of four students: Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling. In September, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a ruling granting the district and its employees governmental immunity, effectively barring the case from proceeding further.
Buck Myre, whose son Tate was among those killed, expressed deep frustration with the outcome. “This feels like just more pain on top of what we’ve already suffered. How can our government disregard such a tragedy?” he lamented. Alongside fellow parent Megan Gregory, who also lost a child, Myre reacted with shock upon learning of the court’s decision.
Gregory echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for accountability in public schools. “These children deserve justice. Their lives were valuable, and it’s disheartening to see that there seems to be no one responsible for this,” she said.
Ven Johnson, the attorney representing the families, criticized the ruling as a significant concern for public education. “It is alarming to think that this immunity applies to public school employees while private school workers are not afforded the same protection. What does that say about our priorities for children in public schools?” Johnson questioned.
The school district maintains its position that governmental immunity protects its employees from being sued for their actions while performing their official duties. Johnson argues that this legal shield requires reform. “When a legal framework allows for a disparity where some individuals have more rights than others, we must reassess that structure,” he stated.
As the families continue to mourn their profound losses, they are also advocating for legislative changes that would eliminate governmental immunity and ensure accountability for school officials in cases of negligence or misconduct.
This ongoing fight for justice highlights the emotional toll on families affected by school violence, where grief is compounded by the struggle for recognition and responsibility.
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