Tragic Lawsuit Alleges School District’s Role in 13-Year-Old’s Suicide Linked to Bullying and Suspensions
Des Moines, Iowa — A mother has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is liable for the March 21, 2023, suicide of her 13-year-old daughter, Leilani Gonzalez. The case alleges that a pattern of bullying, coupled with numerous out-of-school suspensions, contributed to the tragic outcome. According to court documents, Leilani faced persistent harassment from her peers, which the suit emphasizes went largely unaddressed by school officials. The family maintains that despite reports made to the school about the bullying, appropriate measures were not taken to ensure her safety or wellbeing. … Read more