Oregon Family Lawsuit Says School Failed to Protect Black Student From Alleged Classroom Abuse

GRESHAM, Ore. — The family of the only Black student in a classroom at the North Gresham Elementary School is suing the school district for $550,000 for emotional abuse and harassment, in a lawsuit lodged at the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit claims that the boy was emotionally and physically abused by a substitute teacher, who is not named as a defendant, between December 2024 and March 2025. The family is claiming compensation from the Gresham-Barlow School District.

Complainants Claim the School Administration Failed to Take Action

The lawsuit also claims that the school administration failed to take any action, despite repeated reports by the mother of the child.

According to the lawsuit, the mother then notified the Oregon Department of Human Services, stating the family’s concerns.

Subsequently, the boy was referred to CARES Northwest, a child abuse evaluator at Legacy Emanuel in North Portland.

As a result, investigators at CARES NW found that the child would need therapy to handle trust issues and had become significantly anxious about attending school.

The Child Suffered Academic Setbacks and Developed an Anxiety Disorder

The lawsuit states that as a result of the abuse, the child suffered academic setbacks, developed low self-esteem, an anxiety disorder, and had trouble sleeping alone.

The lawsuit further claims that the child and another ‘dark-skinned’ student were treated differently from the rest of their classmates.