A jury awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, a first-grade teacher in Virginia who was shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023. This civil case highlighted the school’s former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, for ignoring multiple warnings about the child’s violent behavior before the incident.
Zwerner was shot in the chest and hand while teaching at Richneck Elementary School. She spent two weeks in the hospital and underwent six surgeries. The bullet narrowly missed her heart and is still lodged in her body. As a result, she has lost full use of her left hand and has left the teaching profession.
In her lawsuit, Zwerner initially sought $40 million in damages. She claimed she approached Parker that morning, stating that the boy was “in a violent mood” and had threatened other students. Parker, according to the lawsuit, did nothing in response.
Soon after, other students reported that the boy had a gun in his backpack. Zwerner informed a reading specialist about seeing him put something into his sweatshirt. After searching the backpack and finding no weapon, Parker dismissed further concerns, saying the boy’s pockets were too small for a gun.
Another report came from a student who claimed the boy showed him a gun during recess. Despite this, Parker took no action even after being informed again. Just an hour later, the shooting occurred, with Zwerner being the sole victim. Post-shooting, Zwerner managed to evacuate her classroom, but the boy was restrained by a school employee, reportedly saying he had “shot that b**** dead.”
The lawsuit also mentioned that Parker was aware of the boy’s troubling behavior, including a previous incident of violence against a teacher. Concerns were often overlooked, and the boy’s parents refused to place him in special education classes designed for students with behavioral issues.
Interestingly, while Zwerner’s case has drawn significant attention, it reflects a larger trend in schools. A report from the National Center for Education Statistics found that over the past decade, instances of violence in schools have increased, prompting debates about school safety and mental health resources for children.
Zwerner’s suit highlights the critical need for better communication and action in schools regarding student behavior. Former Newport News superintendent and school principal were dismissed from the lawsuit, although Parker has resigned and now faces her own criminal trial for neglect.
The boy, too young to be charged criminally, left many questions unanswered about accountability in such tragic incidents. His mother has been sentenced for neglect and weapons charges related to the shooting. There’s an ongoing discussion about gun safety and the responsibilities of parents, especially when it comes to securing firearms from children.
Recent social media conversations around this case underscore a collective concern about child safety in schools and the protection of teachers. As the focus broadens on mental health and safety protocols, cases like Zwerner’s resonate deeply, reminding us of the importance of proactive measures in educational environments.
For further details on the case, you can refer to this CBS News article.
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