Court Upholds $1 Million Verdict Against El Segundo Schools in Student Bullying Case

The California Court of Appeals has upheld a $1 million verdict against El Segundo Unified School District for failing to protect a middle school student from severe bullying, including a “death petition” created by her peers, in a case that highlights ongoing concerns about student safety across South Bay schools.

The case, which originated from incidents at El Segundo Middle School during the 2017-2018 school year, involved a then-13-year-old student identified as E.I. in court documents who faced persistent bullying and harassment from classmates.

When the student reported the bullying to a school counselor, she was dismissively told “girls will be girls” or “this is just girl drama,” according to court documents. The situation escalated dramatically when a bully created a petition calling for the victim’s death, which other students signed and commented on using derogatory language.

The lawsuit, filed in 2019, resulted in a 2022 jury verdict finding the district negligent in protecting the student. The jury awarded $1 million in damages, prompting the district to appeal the decision on multiple grounds, including claims that the student failed to prove injuries and that government code removed liability from public employees.

On Friday, a judge rejected the district’s appeal, stating that “the District has not met its burden to show any prejudice” and upholding the original verdict. ESUSD Superintendent Dr. Jason Johnson declined to comment on the decision, citing ongoing legal matters.

For parents and educators in Inglewood, Compton, and surrounding South Bay communities, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking bullying complaints seriously and implementing effective anti-bullying policies in schools.

“(E.I) felt as though she was not heard despite numerous complaints to the school,” said the student’s attorney, Christa Ramsey. “After the verdict, she felt as though the jury had heard her.”

The appeals court’s decision to certify the opinion for publication means it can now serve as legal precedent, potentially helping other students facing similar situations. Ramsey noted that her client was “thrilled with the result” and recognized that “her case may now help other kids.”

The substantial verdict and its affirmation on appeal underscore the legal and financial consequences school districts face when they fail to adequately address bullying, a message that resonates throughout Los Angeles County school systems as they work to create safer environments for all students.

This story draws on reporting by Fernando Haro for Patch.