The Mercer County School District is being sued over the death of a 15-year old student last year. In her four count complaint, Bridget Carlson alleges her daughter—Valerie Carlson was “harassed by students for her manner of dress, hairstyle and sexual orientation by other students”. The lawsuit also alleges the district did not contact health care providers or the mother after receiving reports that the girl “had cut marks on her person”. In addition, the suit claims on March 28th of last year, the district “received information that a fellow student had told Valerie to go home and kill herself, but did not contact law enforcement, health care providers or the mother”. The complaint says “approximately four hours later, Valerie was found hanged in her own residence.” Each count seeks an amount exceeding $50,000 for “loss of society, grief, sorrow and emotional distress.” The lawsuit was filed March 27th in Mercer County Circuit Court. Mercer County School District Superintendent Scott Petrie tells WRMJ that the district cannot comment on current or pending litigation.
