Tad T. Roumayah recently obtained a $134,090.55 verdict for his client, a special education teacher at Waterford Public Schools’ Riverside Elementary. The lawsuit claimed that school administrators unlawfully retaliated against the teacher by forcing her to resign her employment after she reported a credible threat of school gun violence.

One of the plaintiff’s students handed her a disturbing and threatening drawing depicting the student shooting the teacher with a handgun. The student also made chilling threats, “kill teacher,” “I hurt teacher,” and “I want to hurt you in your head and your heart.” 

For her own protection and the safety of the entire school, the plaintiff immediately informed the school principal of this alarming threat. Following her report, the plaintiff urged the school’s administration to implement safety measures, such as checking the student’s backpack at pick up and drop off, to make sure the student did not act on the vivid school shooting threat. 

Despite the plaintiff’s persistent efforts to safeguard students, faculty, staff, and the community, the school district refused to address her concerns. Instead, 11 days after the plaintiff made her initial report, the district delivered her an ultimatum: either resign or be terminated. Left with no practical option, the plaintiff had no choice but to resign.

Due to the school district’s unwillingness to negotiate a reasonable settlement, the case went to trial. On September 20, 2024, after three and one-half days of testimony and evidence, a jury found Waterford Public Schools violated the Michigan Whistleblowers’ Protection Act by retaliating against the plaintiff for reporting the school gun violence threat. 

The jury’s award of $134,090.55 in damages included compensation for lost wages and benefits and damage to her career, professional reputation, and professional esteem.