Federal Jury Awards $750,000 to Family of Boy Beaten with Leather Belts in Chicago Public School
A federal jury has awarded $750,000 to the family of a 9-year-old boy who was beaten with leather belts in a Chicago Public School in 2018.
The Incident
Jo’maury Champ, a fourth-grader at George W. Tilton Elementary School in West Garfield Park, was beaten with leather belts inside a bathroom on September 20, 2018. According to the lawsuit, his teacher, Kristen Haynes, had arranged for her friend, Juanita Tyler, to come to the school to "discipline" Jo’maury. Tyler, who was an estranged relative of Jo’maury, slapped him twice on the mouth and then struck him with a pair of leather belts 20 to 30 times.
The Lawsuit
Jo’maury’s mother, Asia Gaines, filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Board of Education, Haynes, and Tyler. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants were responsible for the physical and emotional harm inflicted on Jo’maury.
The Trial
The federal lawsuit went to trial in 2023, and the jury deliberated for about four and a half hours before reaching a verdict. The jury ordered the Chicago Board of Education to pay Jo’maury’s family $750,000.
Consequences
In separate criminal cases, Tyler was found guilty of domestic battery in 2020, and Haynes was acquitted of battery and child endangerment. Haynes taught at the school for 15 years and was fired after the incident became public.
Impact on Jo’maury
Jo’maury’s lawyers said that he has dealt with post-traumatic stress since the incident. The lawsuit sought compensation for Jo’maury’s physical and emotional harm, as well as his family’s loss of consortium.
Conclusion
The verdict in this case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. It is crucial that schools and educators take proactive steps to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Jo’maury Champ?
A: Jo’maury Champ was beaten with leather belts in a bathroom at George W. Tilton Elementary School in 2018.
Q: Who was responsible for the beating?
A: The beating was carried out by Juanita Tyler, a friend of the boy’s teacher, Kristen Haynes.
Q: What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
A: The jury awarded Jo’maury’s family $750,000 in compensation.
Q: What consequences did the defendants face?
A: Tyler was found guilty of domestic battery in 2020, and Haynes was acquitted of battery and child endangerment.
Q: How has Jo’maury been affected by the incident?
A: Jo’maury has dealt with post-traumatic stress since the incident.
