$2M Settlement Utah School District Held Liable for Bullying-Related Suicide
A school district in Farmington, Utah, has reached a significant resolution in the tragic case of Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor, a 10-year-old autistic Black student who sadly died by suicide in 2021. The Davis School District has agreed to pay $2 million to the Tichenor-Cox family as part of a mutual agreement. The family alleged that Izzy had faced bullying due to her race and disability, sparking concerns about how the school district had handled these allegations.
An independent investigation, commissioned by the district, found that Foxboro Elementary School, where Izzy attended, had not appropriately investigated the bullying claims in a timely manner. The investigation also acknowledged mistreatment of the young girl but couldn’t definitively confirm if it was solely related to her race or disability.
In a joint statement with the Tichenor-Cox family, the school district expressed its deep sorrow for the impact of Izzy’s loss on the community and the school. The district emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and the proper handling of bullying reports. They pledged to thoroughly document these incidents, address them promptly, and implement appropriate consequences.
The district is actively working to enhance its support systems for students, including the introduction of trauma-informed counseling and other resources. This initiative reflects their dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for every student in their schools.
The joint statement from the school district also included a formal apology to the Tichenor-Cox family and a separate $200,000 settlement involving three students who had alleged discrimination. Davis Superintendent Dan Linford personally extended his heartfelt apologies to the parents of the three students, acknowledging the negative experiences they had while attending schools in the district.
The Department of Justice previously investigated the Davis School District in 2021, leading to a report and a settlement agreement. This investigation highlighted instances of harassment against Black and Asian American students over several years. It also revealed that officials had willfully ignored complaints from parents and students.
This resolution signifies a crucial step towards addressing the serious issues of discrimination, bullying, and mistreatment within the school district. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment for all students.
