Trans Student Sues Principal Over Severe Bullying

A transgender former student has filed a lawsuit against the principal of Lake Taylor High School and Norfolk Public Schools, alleging a violation of her right to equal educational access. The suit claims that principal Latesha Wade-Jenkins and the school system failed to address severe bullying and harassment directed at Tatiana Blount, who began her transition in early 2022.

According to the lawsuit, Blount experienced persistent bullying, sexual harassment, and physical assault from peers due to her transgender identity. Her mother reported these incidents to the principal, who allegedly stated that the school could not intervene and suggested Blount transfer. The situation escalated in October 2022 with a violent assault where Blount lost consciousness and later required hospitalization, sustaining permanent brain injury.

Despite prior warnings about a social media threat to Blount, the lawsuit claims no preventative measures were taken. Blount stopped attending school after the incident. Her lawyer asserts that Blount's gender dysphoria qualifies her as an individual with a disability under the American Disabilities Act, requiring equal access to education, a principle supported by recent legal precedents concerning gender identity and disability law.