Jury Trial Requested in Lawsuit Against Moon Area School District

Attorneys for the filed a notice of appearance earlier this month in a lawsuit from a local family who allege the district failed to stop their daughter from being bullied. 

The Marshall, Dennehy, Warner, Coleman and Goggin law firm will represent the district in the suit, which was filed on Nov. 26. in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh. Attorney Teresa O. Sirianni, an associate at the firm, will handle the case. The firm filed its intent to represent the district in court on Jan. 4.  

The, which was filed by Thomas N. and Beth N. on behalf of their daughter, claims the district ignored severe bullying and harassment during the 2009-2010 school year. Because the girl involved in the suit is a minor, her name and the last name of her parents are unavailable.  Sewickley-based attorney Peter S. Thompson is representing the family. 

The parents said district officials, including guidance counselors, were aware that fellow students were tormenting their daughter, but "took no reasonable or effective steps" to stop it. They are asking that the district compensate them for "all injuries suffered" during the bullying. 

The parents said their daughter was the target of repeated threats, physical abuse and sexual harassment from other students, causing her to become anorexic and seek counseling for depression and anxiety. 

Check back with Moon Patch for more information on the story.