The Clark County School District (CCSD) is facing serious allegations from a lawsuit filed by Amber Salazar, whose son, Anthony Salazar, allegedly sustained a traumatic brain injury due to bullying. The lawsuit claims that the district failed to adequately protect Anthony, as he was viciously attacked by another student after disembarking from a school bus in early October last year. The subsequent day, Anthony exhibited catatonic behavior and required emergency medical attention, resulting in a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. "You should never send your kid to school and have them come back severely injured," emphasized Marjorie Hauf, the family’s attorney, underscoring the profound implications of the incident.
The complaint suggests this assault was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of relentless harassment and bullying. The assailant reportedly exhibited aggressive behavior towards Salazar for months, including multiple confrontations at the bus stop, some of which required intervention by Salazar’s father. Anthony tried to mitigate the harassment by avoiding the bus whenever possible. However, on the day of the incident, his circumstances necessitated bus travel, which led to the tragic encounter. The legal documents detail Anthony’s experience of "persistent and pervasive" bullying throughout his time in both middle and high school. At Mannion Middle School, he was attacked in a bathroom in February 2022, and these distressing encounters extended into his high school career at Foothill High School, despite frequent reports made by Anthony and his mother to school authorities.
The lawsuit accuses CCSD of having both actual and constructive knowledge of the ongoing bullying. Despite their awareness, the district allegedly neglected to enforce adequate measures to safeguard Anthony and other students from such incidents. While a safety plan was purportedly in place, enabling Anthony to seek protection in the school office, the complaint argues that the district's actions were insufficient. This case echoes a broader issue within the district, illustrated by a similar lawsuit filed in August, whereby another student reportedly suffered brain injuries from a bus-related altercation. It highlights CCSD's growing challenge in addressing bullying and misconduct effectively, as evidenced by its alarming litigation expenses. Interim Superintendent Brenda Larsen-Mitchell mentioned the district allocated $30 million for such legal matters but exceeded this budget by $23 million.
Attorney Marjorie Hauf, who has handled similar cases, criticizes CCSD's perceived tendency to dismiss or deflect such claims rather than conduct thorough investigations. "If things were appropriately investigated at the school level, things could get better," she asserts, pointing towards a systemic issue that, if addressed, could perhaps prevent such devastating outcomes for students like Anthony Salazar. As this lawsuit unfolds, it brings to light the pressing need for improved safety measures and effective anti-bullying policies within the school district, ensuring a secure educational environment for all students.
