A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Lubbock ISD related to an incident in October 2024 where cheerleaders were allegedly subjected to harsh corporal punishment.
U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix held that the coach’s actions were a form of corporal punishment and students cannot bring a Section 1983 claim for excessive corporal punishment if state law provides an adequate remedy. According to court documents, Texas allows civil lawsuits to be brought against the specific teacher or coach, not the school district.
According to the parents, in October 2024, Evans Middle School cheerleaders suffered second and thirddegree burns after performing bear crawls and crab walks for a mile on a hot outdoor track as punishment. Most claimed they were unable to continue after two laps due to pain. One parent said they checked the temperature at the track and reported it to be at least 125 degrees. The coach was placed on leave and resigned the following month.
The complaint stated that school district “According to the complaint, the school district “failed to sufficiently train staff to address and protect the needs of children in general – and especially children who are a part of a team or group under the direction and leadership of a school official.
The lawsuit sought compensation for physical pain, medical expenses and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and more, as well as requesting a jury trial.