Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - An 11-year-old boy tragically took his own life after he was allegedly bullied by a female teacher who repeatedly called him 'stupid,' according to a new lawsuit.
Louis Johnson used a firearm to kill himself on April 27,
2023 'after enduring months of bullying and public embarrassment' at the hands
of former fifth-grade teacher Donna White, the lawsuit, reviewed by Mail Online
stated.
He was rushed to the hospital, but sadly died two days
later, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
He soon 'felt like there was no escaping the incessant and
daily public humiliation' brought on by White and the school district, the
complaint added.
The lawsuit alleged White engaged in 'open, notorious, and
protected pattern of bullying by systematically and chronically inflicting hurt
and/or physical distress' on Johnson through 'unwanted and repeated verbal
humiliation and insulting behavior, and encouraging other students to engage in
the same behavior' against the child.
He soon 'felt like there was no escaping the incessant and daily public humiliation' brought on by White and the school district, the complaint added.
The lawsuit alleged White engaged in 'open, notorious, and protected
pattern of bullying by systematically and chronically inflicting hurt and/or
physical distress' on Johnson through 'unwanted and repeated verbal humiliation
and insulting behavior, and encouraging other students to engage in the same
behavior' against the child.
Shortly after he took his life, Johnson's parents drew up 'Suicide
Prevention' flyers that detail what happened to their son and name the accused
teacher as 'Dawn White.'
She was named only as Donna White or Ms. White in the lawsuit.
Johnson's parents are demanding $75,000 in damages in the wrongful death
lawsuit, including funeral cost for their son, attorney's fees and for their
'mental pain and suffering,' the lawsuit said.
The couple have also requested a jury trial.
Johnson's father told detectives at the time that he took his son to work
with him that day, and once they got home after his shift he placed several
items, including the 9mm handgun, on the counter.
His dad said he would normally lock it away in a safe, but on that day he went
outside to check on his truck. During that time, Johnson picked up the
firearm and fatally shot himself.
Soon after Johnson killed himself, the school district decided not to
renew White's contract following an investigation, the Ocala
StarBanner reported.
The Marion County School Board found that her alleged actions violated the
district's anti-harassment policy and two counts of the Principals of
Professional Conduct for the Educational Profession, per the outlet.
She was initially suspended for five days pending the completion of the
investigation.
According to the outlet, White had one previous disciplinary infraction on
her record prior to Johnson's death. It involved a verbal reprimand for
an action not related to students, per school officials.
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