MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — A North Carolina mother has initiated legal proceedings against Mount Airary City Schools following multiple claims of bullying and assault involving her 12-year-old son, identified as “John Doe” in court paperwork. The incidents, alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, have prompted concerns over student safety and supervision during school-sponsored events.
The sequence of events began in the fall of 2021 when, according to the lawsuit, a classmate reportedly forced John’s head against a paper towel dispenser in a school bathroom, causing head injuries. Jane Doe, John’s mother, reported this to the vice principal of Mount Airy Middle Foundation immediately after learning about the assault but was told that too much time had elapsed since the incident for the school to act.
Months later, in February 2022, another incident arose where John was subjected to physical harassment by a peer. After these events, Jane expressed apprehensions about her son’s safety during an upcoming school trip for a HOSA—Future Health Professionals competition. Despite reassurances from school officials that her son would be monitored closely, troubling events unfolded during the trip.
The lawsuit details that during the March 2022 trip, John was subjected to further physical assaults by several boys in his room, which included being hit with a belt, dragged across the floor, and forcibly showered. The abuse escalated over the three-day event, culminating in disturbing attempts by other students to injure John using an electric toothbrush.
Additionally, the claim underlines repeated failures by chaperones to intervene effectively, even when disruptions in John’s room were evident during their checks. One chaperone reportedly observed John being dragged yet did not stop the behavior.
Upon returning from the trip, Jane noticed multiple injuries on her son, including a significant bruise on his thigh and several wounds on his back. Court documents reveal that John shared the details of the assaults only after his mother discovered these injuries.
The legal action put forth by Jane Doe includes demands for compensatory and punitive damages, and a trial by jury to resolve these issues. The complaint also underscores a possible discrepancy between the district’s stated anti-bullying policy, which promotes a safe and respectful learning environment, and the actions taken in response to the reported incidents.
Mount Airy City Schools has a clearly outlined policy against bullying and harassment, aiming to maintain a safe and conducive educational atmosphere. However, this lawsuit raises questions about the enforcement of these policies and the protection provided to students under the supervision of school authorities.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could have wider implications for how schools across the region handle allegations of bullying and assault, especially in settings where students are away from the direct supervision of their parents.
Parents and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation, calling for more stringent enforcement of existing policies and possibly new guidelines to safeguard students against similar incidents in the future. The case continues to develop, resonating with families and educators alike, all advocating for a safer, more responsive educational system.