Perry Township Schools Sued Over Alleged Violence and Bullying

Two central Indiana families are suing Perry Township Schools over allegations of "pervasive violence and bullying" within the school district. Their attorneys describe the situation as a continued disregard for student safety, particularly for students with disabilities who have suffered severe and permanent injuries.

"The legal actions underscore the district's continued disregard for student safety, particularly for students with disabilities who have suffered severe and permanent injuries due to the unchecked violence and hostile environment within the school system," attorneys Catherine Michael and Tammy Meyer said.

The lawsuits focus on Perry Township Schools and the Indiana Department of Education. The families claim IDOE failed to enforce laws and statutes intended to protect kids from bullying, adding that schools in Perry Township "have failed to create a safe and supportive environment."

One lawsuit was filed by the family of a Perry Meridian High School student who was attacked on September 12. The teenager didn't even see the punch coming and was left unconscious with a large gash across his forehead.

"He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Photographs of him, unconscious and bleeding on the floor, were taken and circulated among students, deepening his trauma. The student now has permanent facial scarring and faces a long, difficult recovery from a traumatic brain injury," the attorneys said.

In November, the attacking student was found guilty of seriously hurting the victim but did not receive any jail time. His attorneys said he would be required to wear an ankle monitor and take anger management classes.

The second lawsuit involves a student with disabilities who has endured years of targeted bullying, including repeated physical assaults. One particularly brutal incident involved another student slamming his head into a metal paper towel holder in a school bathroom, resulting in a concussion and head injuries that led to a seizure disorder.

Both families say the bullying and violence their children encountered left them struggling to cope with emotional and physical trauma.

"Time and time again, Perry Township Schools have failed to uphold their duty to protect students, allowing them to be physically and emotionally scarred in an environment that should foster learning and development," attorney Tammy Meyer said. "These families have begged for action, yet their concerns have been dismissed. No child should have to endure what these students have faced, and we will continue to pursue justice until real change is made."

The legal team says it wants "full accountability" from the school district and immediate reforms to address violence and bullying. This includes enforcing existing school policies, implementing new and effective safety measures, and full compliance with federal and state laws to ensure a safe, secure learning environment.

"The consequences of inaction are devastating. Children have suffered life-altering injuries—both physical and emotional—because of the negligence of those entrusted with their safety," attorney Catherine Michael said. "It's time for schools to be held accountable for their deliberate indifference and to take decisive action to protect students before more lives are permanently damaged."

News 8 has reached out to Perry Township Schools for comment.