by Lafourche Parish, LA – A Louisiana middle school is under scrutiny after expelling a 13-year-old girl who struck a male classmate allegedly sharing AI-generated nude photos of her, sparking outrage over the handling of the case and concerns about bullying and due process in schools.
The incident at Sixth Ward Middle School involved an eighth-grade girl who was victimized by male classmates creating and circulating explicit AI-generated images featuring her face. After repeated harassment and an unsuccessful plea for help from school officials, the girl hit one boy on a bus, leading to her expulsion in late August. Her family is now preparing to sue the school district for what they argue was a failure to protect their daughter and a miscarriage of justice.
Controversial Expulsion Sparks Community Outcry
The case ignited significant debate during a heated November 5 school board meeting where the school district defended its decision to expel the girl despite evidence that she was relentlessly bullied for the fabricated explicit images. The victim’s attorneys emphasized the lack of due process and fairness, arguing that the boys involved have not faced proper consequences.
- The harassment reportedly included boys showing explicit AI-generated images on their phones and taunting the girl throughout the school day.
- The girl attempted to notify school officials and even wished to involve her father, but was reportedly told parents were not needed at that moment.
- One male student was charged with 10 counts of unlawful dissemination of AI-generated images as announced on November 10.
“What is she supposed to do? She’s reported it to the people who are supposed to protect her, but she was victimized,” said attorney Benjamin Comeaux during the meeting.
The School’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The school board and Superintendent Jarrod Martin stood by the expulsion, amending it to allow the girl to return on probation. Martin acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating:
“Sometimes in life, we can be both victims and perpetrators. Sometimes in life, horrible things happen to us, and we get angry and do things.”
Board member Valerie Bourgeois concurred that while the girl was a victim, her physical reaction was not excusable and suggested the conflict could have been resolved outside of school.
Meanwhile, the Lafourche Parish County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the female student would not face criminal charges due to the circumstances and noted that the investigation is ongoing with potential for more arrests.
Impact on the Victim and Legal Battle Ahead
The girl’s father shared the toll the incident has taken on his daughter:
- Her grades plummeted following the expulsion.
- She experienced significant depression and disengagement from school.
- The family argues the expulsion was excessively harsh and demands accountability on both sides.
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“She was wrong, but the school was also wrong by putting her in that place with the little boy at the time. In my mind, it goes both ways. Share that accountability,” he said.
The family plans to file a lawsuit against the school district alleging failure to protect their daughter under Title IX, creating a sexually hostile environment, and neglecting mandatory reporting duties.
For more details, visit the original report at New York Post.
What Comes Next for School Safety and Student Rights?
This case has raised critical questions about how schools handle cyberbullying, AI-generated content, and student discipline. Experts warn that mishandling such cases can push vulnerable students toward emotional distress.
Attorney Matt Ory stressed, “This is how kids become suicidal. This, right here, and you guys are saying it’s okay!”
Educators and legal experts alike are watching closely for the outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigation, which could set important precedents for handling harassment in schools nationwide.
Key Takeaways:
- Schools must balance discipline with protecting victims in bullying cases.
- Proper protocols for reporting and responding to AI-generated harassment are essential.
- Due process and fairness in student discipline can impact mental health and academic success.
What do you think about this case and the school district’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
