East Alton-Wood River High School
A fight at East Alton-Wood River High School last year prompted Gloria Jean Harris to file suit on behalf of her 17-year-old son, Michael Scott Harris, Jr., claiming he suffered a broken jaw and tooth. The suit was filed in Madison County Circuit Court April 8.
Harris, represented by Robert William Bosslet Jr. of Granite City, is seeking a judgment in excess of $75,000 against the high school, plus all costs of the suit.
According to the complaint, the school was aware of the potential for fighting to occur. Prior to the fight on Nov. 8, 2004, a letter from the superintendent was sent home alerting parents of a mean-spirited website which, among other things, included a “wish that some of these students should die.”
“EAWR High School has actual knowledge of the bad reputation of the school and the hazards to peaceful, law-abiding students between class periods,” the complaint states.
Harris alleges that EAWR was willful and wanton in its failure to provide supervision to students between classes.
She claims her son sustained considerable pain, anguish, suffering, significant medical expenses, a permanent disability and disfigurement, and his normal enjoyment of life has been permanently impaired.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Daniel Stack.
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