Tina and David Long visit their son, Tyler’s, grave. Tyler was a victim of constant bullying at Murray County High School.A Murray County, Ga., parent who has gained national attention after speaking out on her son’s suicide said she feels vindicated even though a federal judge on Monday dismissed her lawsuit against a school district.
David and Tina Long filed the lawsuit in 2010 against Murray County Schools and high school Principal Gina Linder, claiming their son, Tyler, killed himself after relentless school bullying. But U.S. District Judge Harold Murphey granted summary judgment to the school district, writing there wasn’t enough evidence to prove officials showed deliberate indifference.
But he also wrote: “There is little question that Tyler was the victim of severe disability harassment, and that defendants should have done more to stop the harassment and prevent future incidents.”
Tina Long said even though she is angry the school district won’t be held accountable, she feels justified with the judge’s response.
“We do feel vindicated in the fact that what we’ve been saying the judge confirmed,” she said. “He did what he could under the law … and that’s why [the law] needs to be changed.”