Zeno v. Pine Plains Cent. Sch. Dist.

Fact(s): Anthony Zeno moved into the Pine Plains Center School District when he was sixteen. He and his sister are of mixed race. The community of Duchess County, where the Zenos moved, has less than 5% minorities present. Throughout his four years at Pine Plains, Anthony, was harassed, threatened, and bullied by his peers. Anthony reported incidents every year to the school principal, while his mother attempted over fifty times to discuss these issues with the superintendent. The superintendent chose not to speak to Mrs. Zeno, and would only respond in written form. Any action that was supposed to be taken by the school was never followed through with. In Anthonys sophomore year he was placed on an IEP; however, this did not help matters. By his senior year it was discovered that Anthony did not have enough credits in math to receive his diploma. The school gave the family two choices: he could continue to work towards his diploma until he is 21, or he can accept an IEP diploma. Mrs. Zeno expressed concern about the IEP diploma, but she felt she had no choice but to allow Anthony to take the IEP diploma. Anthony finished his senior year as part of the BOCES program and graduated with an IEP diploma. Issue(s): Did the Pine Plains Center School District violate Anthonys civil rights under Title VI? Ruling: On March 12, 2010, the jury returned its verdict, finding that the District had violated Anthony's civil rights under Title VI, and awarding him $1.25 million in damages. However, the school asked for new judgment and was given another trial. Anthony accepted $1 million in damages. Rationale:The court was able to find the school guilty for more than one issue. First, Anthony was discriminatorily deprived of three educational benefits ( Hayut, 352F.3d t 750). Anthony accepted an IEP diploma rather than pursue further studies at SMHS (N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8, 100.5(b)(7)(iii) (2012).Finally, Anthony was driven to leave SMHS due to harassment and bullying(Hayut, 352 F.3d at 750. The court found that these three incidents alone were evidence to support that Anthony was subjected to actionable harassment and should be awarded the amount promised. Brief Analysis and Conclusion: The harassment that Anthony endured throughout his time at Pine Plain Cent. School District is horrifying, and the lack of actions taken by the school and superintendent should have been addressed with termination. This district acted with negligence and disgrace. This case should be used as an example to schools how not to handle harassment and bullying situations. It is great to know that Anthony got to see some justice; however, there are many students who are probably going through the same situation. I believe this case serves as an opportunity for districts to form harassment and bullying plans to avoid situations such as these. Further, I think this demonstrates to leaders how judgments and carelessness can occur. Communication and action must be taken as soon as a claim is made. These situations should never escalate as this one did.