MEAD, Wash. — The Mead School District filed a notice of appeal on Monday in the $17 million football hazing and discrimination case.
In June, a judge found the Mead School District liable for failing to protect students at off-site football camp in 2023. Judge Annette Plese previously ruled the district was liable because it failed to protect students from discrimination and assault and that the district failed to follow mandatory reporting rules.
The jury decided the school district would have to pay a combined $17 million to two boys and their families. The district previously settled lawsuits with two other students.
The school district announced it filed the appeal this afternoon, claiming it has no issue with accepting responsibility but rather the issue arises from the amount of damages the district would have to pay.
“The verdict here was tainted by pervasive misconduct by plaintiffs’ counsel during trial,” the district said. “The District respects the jury’s service and appreciates the time and attention devoted to this case. But the District must seek a new trial so that damages can be determined through a fair process and on a proper record.”
The district says this appeal will not affect its budget or increase the demand on taxpayers.
In September, a Spokane County judge denied the district’s attempt to get a new trial in this case.
The School District is also facing a federal lawsuit for the hazing and discrimination incident. That trial is set for September of next year.
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