Photo: GoFundMe
The parents of an 11-year-old student who died by suicide are suing his school district, alleging that he was bullied by his teacher.
According to PEOPLE, Tyka Johnson and Louis Johnson Jr, the parents of 11-year-old Louis Johnson III, "LJ," filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Ocala, Florida last week.
The parents claim that LJ's fifth-grade teacher at Legacy Elementary, Donna White, bullied him and recruited other students to do the same. White “constantly, consistently and relentlessly publicly humiliated minor child [LJ] in front of his peers, calling him ‘stupid’ and ridiculing him in front of his classmates on several occasions over the span of months,” the lawsuit states. She allegedly would also “recruit other students to ridicule” LJ and force them to agree with her comments that he was "stupid" and "didn't know anything."
The Johnsons said they reported the alleged bullying to the school board no avail, which led to LJ suffering from depression and anxiety.
The family launched a GoFundMe to raise money for his medical and funeral expenses.
“He loved the beach, catching crabs, making TikTok recipes and was a huge advocate for the homeless,” the fundraiser reads. “He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend. For those of you who knew him, you were the lucky ones. He would light up any room with his infectious smile.”
The lawsuit is seeking a trial by jury.
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