A special education teacher has filed a lawsuit against Salem-Keizer Public Schools after reporting multiple violent incidents involving students that resulted in her injury. Lauren Eriksen, an instructional aide at West Salem High School, alleges she experienced several instances of aggression since starting the position in September 2023, some of which left her with serious injuries like concussions and a severe bite wound, KOIN reported.
During Eriksen's first year, she claims to have been "bitten, punched, pushed, and slammed by multiple students." These assaults purportedly led to two concussions and nerve damage, following an especially vicious bite, KPTV disclosed. The lawsuit also brings to light an incident in which a "large, older student slammed" Eriksen into a door, a situation that was escalated when an administrator reportedly canceled her 911 call.
In a disturbing account of the ordeal, Eriksen ended up with a concussion, nausea, neck muscle strain, and muscle spasms, her complaint details. The incident speaks to broader concerns about safety and protocol within the district's educational environment. While the school district has not commented on the pending litigation directly, Aaron Harada, the SKPS Director of Community Relations and Communications, emphasized their commitment to safety. "We are always concerned about the safety of our students and our staff," Harada said, "We want the best for our students and the adults who serve them and that is why we are constantly evolving our safety systems and training programs for staff," as per a statement obtained by KATU.
Eriksen's lawsuit not only seeks financial compensation but also aims for systemic change, demanding that the district adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) 2023 recommendations. These include the addition of staff and classroom space for students exhibiting troubling behavior, to better establish a safe working environment for all. Currently, it remains to be seen how this lawsuit will impact future policy and practices within Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
