Case: 1:15-cv-00787-MRB Doc #: 1 Filed: 12/11/15 Page: 1 of 82 PAGEID #: 1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
WESTERN DIVISION
ESTATE OF EMILIE GRACE XIAO YING
OLSEN, deceased, by and through MARC
AND CYNTHIA OLSEN, as CoAdministrators of the Estate;
MARC OLSEN, individually;
CYNTHIA OLSEN, individually; and
C.O., a minor, by and through MARC
AND CYNTHIA OLSEN, as Parents and
Next Friends;
Plaintiffs,
vs.
FAIRFIELD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION;
FAIRFIELD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT;
PAUL OTTEN, Superintendent, Fairfield
City School District, in his individual and
official capacities;
LINCOLN BUTTS, Principal, Fairfield
Middle School, in his individual and
official capacities;
JEFF MADDEN, Principal, Fairfield
Intermediate School, in his individual and
official capacities;
MARK
RICE,
Assistant
Principal,
Fairfield Middle School, in his individual
and official capacities;
ALLISON CLINE, Assistant Principal,
Fairfield Intermediate School, in her
individual and official capacities;
MELISSA “MISSY” MULLER, Assistant

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CASE NO.: 1:15-00787
JUDGE ____________________

COMPLAINT FOR
DECLARATORY JUDGMENT,
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, AND
DAMAGES, WITH JURY
DEMAND ENDORSED HEREON

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Principal, Fairfield Intermediate School, :
in her individual and official capacities;
:
:
NANCY WASMER, Assistant Principal, :
Fairfield Middle School, in her individual :
and official capacities;
:
:
ERICA GREEN, Counselor, Fairfield :
Middle School, in her individual and :
official capacities;
:
:
CANDY BADER, Teacher, Fairfield :
Intermediate School, in her individual :
and official capacities;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 1, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 2, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 3, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 4, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 5, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 6, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 7, a minor;
:
:
MINOR STUDENT 8, a minor;
:
:
JOHN/JANE DOES 1-10, students and/or :
former students of Fairfield City Schools, :
addresses unknown;
:
:
JOHN/JANE DOES 11-20, Fairfield City :
School District employees, administrators :
and teachers, in their official and :
individual
capacities,
addresses :
unknown;
:
:
JOHN/JANE DOE 21, Fairfield City :
School
District
Title
IX :
coordinator/administrator,
address :
unknown;
:
:
Defendants.

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INTRODUCTION
This action challenges the bullying, harassment, and sexual and racial
discrimination suffered by Emilie Olsen, deceased, (“Emilie”) at Fairfield Middle School
and Fairfield Intermediate Middle School before her death. Emilie, an Asian-American,
was continually bullied, harassed, assaulted, battered, and discriminated against in
school, and further bullied and harassed online, because of her race, national origin, and
gender, as well as her association with Caucasian students, and her perceived sexual
orientation and practices.

Emilie and her parents tried to end the bullying and

repeatedly pleaded with certain Defendants for help. Defendants failed to stop the
bullying, and it continued. Consequently, Emilie suffered severe anguish, distress, and
depression, and ultimately committed suicide. Sadly, Emilie’s case was not an outlier;
other Fairfield students also suffered unrelenting bullying and discrimination, and two
of those students attempted suicide months before Emilie’s death.

Certain of the

Defendants, likewise, failed to intervene on behalf of these students.
This action seeks damages and seeks to reform the Fairfield City Public Schools’
policies and practices for responding to bullying, harassment, assault, battery, and
discrimination.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1.

This Court has jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§

1331 and 1343 because the matters in controversy arise under the Constitution and laws
of the United States. Jurisdiction is also proper over Plaintiffs’ claims under 28 U.S.C.
§§ 2201-2202 because Plaintiffs seek a declaration of their civil rights. This Court has
supplemental jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ related state law claims under 29 U.S.C. §

3

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1367(a) because those claims arise out of the same case or controversy as Plaintiffs’
federal claims.
2.

Venue is proper in this Court under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) because one or

more of the Defendants reside within this Court’s judicial district and a substantial part
of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred within the judicial district.
PARTIES
3.

Plaintiff, MARC OLSEN, is Emilie’s father and the co-administrator of her

estate. He sues individually, as the co-administrator of Emilie’s estate, and as parent
and next friend of C.O., the minor sister of Emilie.
4.

Plaintiff, CYNTHIA OLSEN (“Cindy Olsen,”) is Emilie’s mother and the

co-administrator of her estate. She sues individually, as the co-administrator of Emilie’s
estate, and as guardian and next friend of C. O., the minor sister of Emilie Olsen.
5.

Plaintiff, C.O., is the minor sister of Emilie.

6.

Defendant,

FAIRFIELD

CITY

SCHOOL

DISTRICT

BOARD

OF

EDUCATION (“School Board,”) is a public entity which, acting under color of law, is
responsible for the formulation and implementation of all official governmental laws,
policies, regulations and procedures in effect for the Fairfield City School District. The
School Board is a “person” within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and a political
subdivision under the laws of the State of Ohio. Upon information and belief, the
School Board receives federal financial assistance.
7.

Defendant, FAIRFIELD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (“School District,”) is

an independent public school district. The School District is a “person” within the
meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and a political subdivision under the laws of the State of
Ohio. Fairfield Middle School and Fairfield Intermediate School are schools within the

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School District.

Upon information and belief, the School District and each of its

component schools are recipients of federal financial assistance.
8.

Defendant, PAUL OTTEN (“Superintendent Otten” or “Mr. Otten,”) sued

in his individual and official capacities, is and was at all relevant times the
Superintendent of Fairfield City School District. In that capacity, acting under color of
law, he holds final policy-making authority for the School District with respect to
implementation of all official governmental laws, policies, regulations and procedures
governing the Fairfield City Schools, including enforcement of anti-bullying, antiharassment, and anti-discrimination policies within the School District.

As

Superintendent, he has the ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf of
the School District to stop bullying, harassment, assault/battery, and discrimination
within the District and to discipline perpetrators of such actions. Superintendent Otten
is sued in both his individual and official capacities.
9.

Defendant, LINCOLN BUTTS (“Principal Butts” or “Mr. Butts,”) sued in

his individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, the Principal of the
Fairfield Middle School. In that capacity, acting under color of law, he held final
policymaking authority with respect to implementation and enforcement of all official
governmental laws, policies, regulations and procedures governing the Fairfield Middle
School, including implementation and enforcement of anti-bullying, anti-harassment,
anti-assault/battery, and anti-discrimination policies within the School District. As
Principal, he had the ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf of the
School District to stop bullying, harassment, assault/battery, and discrimination within
the Fairfield Middle School and to discipline perpetrators of such actions.

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10.

Defendant, JEFF MADDEN (“Principal Madden” or “Mr. Madden,”) sued

in his individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, the Principal of the
Fairfield Intermediate School. In that capacity, acting under color of law, he held final
policymaking authority with respect to implementation and enforcement of all official
governmental laws, policies, regulations and procedures governing the Fairfield
Intermediate School, including implementation and enforcement of anti-bullying, antiharassment, anti-assault/battery, and anti-discrimination policies within the School
District. As Principal, he had the ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf
of the School District to stop bullying, harassment, assault/battery, and discrimination
within the Fairfield Intermediate School and to discipline perpetrators of such actions.
11.

Defendant, MARK RICE (“Assistant Principal Rice” or “Mr. Rice,”) sued in

his individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, an Assistant Principal of
the Fairfield Middle School. In that capacity, acting under color of law, he had the
ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf of the School District to stop
bullying, harassment, assault/battery, and discrimination within the Fairfield Middle
School and to discipline perpetrators of such actions.
12.

Defendant, ALLISON CLINE (“Assistant Principal Cline” or “Ms. Cline,”)

sued in her individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, an Assistant
Principal of the Fairfield Intermediate School. In that capacity, acting under color of
law, she had the ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf of the School
District to stop bullying, harassment, assault/battery and discrimination within the
Fairfield Intermediate School and to discipline perpetrators of such actions.
13.

Defendant, MELISSA “MISSY” MULLER (“Assistant Principal Muller” or

“Ms. Muller,”) sued in her individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, an

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Assistant Principal of the Fairfield Intermediate School. In that capacity, acting under
color of law, she had the ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf of the
School District to stop bullying, harassment, assault/battery and discrimination within
the Fairfield Intermediate School and to discipline perpetrators of such actions.
14.

Defendant, NANCY WASMER (“Assistant Principal Wasmer” or “Ms.

Wasmer,”) sued in her individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, an
Assistant Principal of the Fairfield Middle School. In that capacity, acting under color of
law, she had the ability and authority to take corrective action on behalf of the School
District to stop bullying, harassment, assault/battery and discrimination within the
Fairfield Middle School and to discipline perpetrators of such actions.
15.

Defendant, ERICA GREEN (“Guidance Counselor Green” or “Ms. Green,”)

sued in her individual and official capacities, was, at all relevant times, a full-time
employee of the Fairfield Middle School, serving in the capacity of Guidance Counselor.
16.

Defendant, CANDY BADER (“Ms. Bader,”) sued in her individual and

official capacities, was, at all relevant times, a full-time employee of the Fairfield
Intermediate School, serving in the capacity of classroom teacher.
17.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 1, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action she was a resident of Ohio.
18.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 2, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action she was a resident of Ohio.
19.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 3, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action she was a resident of Ohio.
20.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 4, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action he was a resident of Ohio.

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21.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 5, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action he was a minor.
22.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 6, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action he was a minor.
23.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 7, is a minor. At all times relevant to this

action he was a minor.
24.

Defendant, MINOR STUDENT 8, upon information and belief, is and was

at all times relevant to this action, a minor.
25.

Defendants, JOHN DOES 1-10, are believed to be students and/or former

students of the Fairfield City Public Schools who bullied, harassed, assaulted/battered,
and/or discriminated against Emilie Olsen on the basis of sex and/or race/national
origin. Their names and addresses are currently unknown.
26.

Defendants, JOHN DOES 11-20, are full-time employees, administrators

or teachers of the Fairfield City School District, some or all of whom, in that capacity
and acting under color of law, are responsible for the formulation and implementation
of all official governmental laws, policies, regulations and procedures in effect for the
Fairfield City School District. They are sued in their individual and official capacities.
Their names and addresses are currently unknown.
27.

Defendant,

JOHN/JANE

DOE

21,

is

the

Title

IX

coordinator/administrator for the Fairfield City School District and/or Fairfield Middle
School and/or Fairfield Intermediate School. He/she is sued in his/her individual and
official capacities. His/her name and address is currently unknown.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS
28.

Emilie was an Asian-American female adopted by Marc and Cindy Olsen,

at the age of nine months.
29.

Emilie was consistently a straight “A” student in elementary school and

prided herself in her work. She earned the President’s Award and attendance awards.
30.

In August of 2012, Emilie entered the fifth grade at Fairfield Intermediate

School.
31.

In August of 2013, Emilie entered the sixth grade at Fairfield Intermediate

School. Upon information and belief, Emilie’s class schedule and teachers for the 20132014 school year were as follows: Language Arts/Writing: Ann Sackenheim/Jennifer
Steelman; Social Studies: Theresa Lynch; Math: James Madden; Science/Health: Jamil
Manning; Physical Education: Aaron Fitzstephens.

Further, upon information and

belief, the Principal of the Fairfield Intermediate School for the 2013-2014 school year
was Jeff Madden; and Assistant Principals were Allison Cline and Melissa “Missy”
Muller.
32.

In August 2014, Emilie entered the seventh grade at Fairfield Middle

School. Upon information and belief, Emilie’s class schedule and teachers for the 20142015 school year were as follows: Money Management: Allison Fullhart; Language Arts:
Julie Crutcher; Science:

Christine Ninneman; Family & Consumer Science: Emily

Blades; Math: Timothy Lewis; Math/Intervention Specialist: Tiffany Mariol; World
History: Ronald Fernandez. Further, upon information and belief, the Principal of the
Fairfield Middle School for the 2014-2015 school year was Lincoln Butts; Assistant
Principals were Nancy Wasmer and Mark Rice.

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33.

During her fifth grade year in 2012, her sixth grade year in 2013, and her

seventh grade year in 2014, Emilie was the victim of bullying, discrimination,
harassment, assault and battery by fellow students based on her race, gender,
nationality, perceived sexual orientation, perceived sexual practices, and her association
with a group of Caucasian Fairfield students who wore camouflage clothing and were
labeled as “country” or “fake country.”
34.

During her sixth grade year at Fairfield Intermediate School (“FIS”), in

2013-2014, Emilie was repeatedly bullied and harassed. Upon information and belief, a
female sixth grade FIS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 1, repeatedly bullied and
harassed Emilie, both verbally and on various social media sites.
35.

On one occasion, during her sixth grade year at Fairfield Intermediate

School, in 2013-2014, the same female sixth grade FIS student, namely MINOR
STUDENT 1, followed Emilie into the girl’s FIS restroom located near the library, and
handed Emilie a razor and told her to “end her life.”
36.

On another occasion, during her sixth grade year at Fairfield Intermediate

School, in 2013-2014, the same female sixth grade FIS student, namely MINOR
STUDENT 1, utilized various social media sites to bully and harass Emilie.

Upon

information and belief, MINOR STUDENT 1 told Emilie to “go cut one of your vanes
and die cuz I will be glad.”
37.

Throughout her sixth grade year at Fairfield Intermediate School, Emilie

was continually bullied by a group of sixth grade FIS students, namely MINOR
STUDENT 2, MINOR STUDENT 3, MINOR STUDENT 4, MINOR STUDENT 7, MINOR
STUDENT 9, and MINOR STUDENT 10.

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38.

Several of these students also physically battered and assaulted Emilie,

including without limitation MINOR STUDENTS 2, 4, and 7.
39.

These FIS students repeatedly bullied Emilie during class and in the

hallways of Fairfield Intermediate School.
40.

Upon information and belief, according to other FIS students, MINOR

STUDENT 2 and MINOR STUDENT 3 were the “leaders” of this group of FIS students.
41.

This group of FIS students discriminated against, harassed and bullied

Emilie in part because she was Asian and/or Chinese.
42.

This group would ridicule Emilie as being “fake country” because she wore

camouflage clothing, cowboy boots and/or other items of clothing/paraphernalia
perceived as “country” or “fake country.” Further, these same FIS students would tell
Emilie that she couldn’t be “country” because she was Asian and/or Chinese.
43.

During her sixth grade year at Fairfield Intermediate School, in

approximately the Fall/Winter of 2013, a fake Instagram account was created, entitled
“Emilie Olsen is Gay.”
44.

Upon information and belief, the fake Instagram account was created by

MINOR STUDENT 2, a female sixth grade FIS student.
45.

The fake Instagram account included the statement: “I’m Emilie I’m Gay

and I love to F*** [expletive deleted] random people in the woods and I love to chew
tobacco and if U wanna F*** [expletive deleted] just meet somewhere in the woods.”
46.

The fake Instagram account also made derogatory references to Emilie’s

perceived sexual orientation and sexual practices.

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47.

During her sixth grade year at Fairfield Intermediate School, in

approximately January 2014, Emilie was involved in a physical altercation with the
same female sixth grade FIS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 2, in the gym at FIS.
48.

During the incident, MINOR STUDENT 2 slapped Emilie in the face and

pushed her in the course of an argument about the fake Instagram account which
MINOR STUDENT 2 reportedly created.
49.

The incident in the FIS gym was witnessed by numerous other sixth grade

FIS students, including, but not limited to MINOR STUDENT 3, MINOR STUDENT 7
and MINOR STUDENT 9, and WITNESS 4. WITNESS 4 was a female, Asian-American
classmate and friend of Emilie Olsen.
50.

Fairfield City School District teacher, Candy Bader, was also a witness to

the physical altercation in the FIS gym between Emilie and MINOR STUDENT 2.
51.

Ms. Bader broke up the fight in the gym between Emilie and MINOR

STUDENT 2, and sent all students “back to class.”
52.

Upon information and belief, no investigation was conducted by Ms. Bader

or FIS administrators, and no disciplinary action was imposed on anyone on that date.
Moreover, neither Ms. Bader nor the FIS administrators reported the physical
altercation between Emilie and MINOR STUDENT 2 to Marc or Cindy Olsen.
53.

Later following the incident in the gym, Emilie and MINOR STUDENT 2,

and the other FIS students who witnessed the incident (except for WITNESS 4) were
called to the Principal’s office.
54.

Upon information and belief, FIS still did not conduct any investigation,

draft any report to document this incident or impose consequences on anyone and/or
take any corrective action. Further, FIS still did not report the incident in the gym to

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Marc and Cindy Olsen, nor did they inform the Olsens that Emilie was sent to see the
Principal regarding the incident.
55.

Marc and Cindy Olsen learned of the aforementioned physical battery on

Emilie by FIS student, MINOR STUDENT 2, from WITNESS 4’s father.

Although

present during the physical altercation, WITNESS 4 was the only student not called to
the Principal’s office following the incident in the gym.
56.

On January 30, 2014, Marc Olsen contacted Assistant Principals, Melissa

“Missy” Muller and Allison Cline, and reported that it was brought to his attention “last
night” that Emilie had become the target of bullying by a few girls at FIS.” Mr. Olsen
reported to Ms. Muller and Ms. Cline via email at 9:20 a.m.:
“My name is Marc Olsen and I’m writing on behalf of my daughter Emilie
Olsen . . . (6th Grader at FIS). It was brought to my attention last night
that apparently Emilie has become the target of bullying by a few girls at
FIS . . . after learning the details, I am very concerned . . . Emilie
mentioned two (2) girls . . . one named “MINOR STUDENT 3” and another
named “MINOR STUDENT 2” that she is having problems with. From
what I understand there has already been physicality (kicking, pulling hair
. . . etc.) between them. Unfortunately it goes beyond that . . . there is an
“Instagram” site set up with pictures of Emilie . . . with verbiage next to
them that says “she will F*** you in the woods” . . . “she is gay” etc. etc. . . .
my wife and I are deeply troubled by what is going on. It is my attempt
this morning to reach out to you ladies . . . to not only make you aware but
also ask for any help you can give to get to the bottom of this. I have a bad
feeling that if nothing is done then this has the possibility to escalate into
something worse. My wife and/or I would be glad to meet with you if
needed. We would appreciate you looking into this for us.”
57.

Marc Olsen received a telephone call back from one of the Assistant

Principals at FIS, informing him that they were “going to take care of the situation.”
58.

In the days to follow, Marc Olsen made several telephone calls to Assistant

Principals Muller and Cline, to find out what was being done to “take care of the
situation” involving his daughter, Emilie.

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59.

One of the Assistant Principals called Marc Olsen back and said they had

spoken to the girls and they were told that if it happened again, that there would be
disciplinary action doled out.
60.

Upon information and belief, no reports and/or forms were ever filled out

by FIS administrators regarding this incident in the gym.
61.

Upon information and belief, FIS took no action to investigate the

bullying, harassment, cyberbullying and physical assault/battery involving Emilie and
MINOR STUDENT 2, as reported by Marc Olsen.
62.

Upon information and belief, FIS imposed no discipline upon MINOR

STUDENT 2 for slapping Emilie.
63.

Upon information and belief, FIS imposed no discipline on MINOR

STUDENT 2 and the other FIS students who had created the fake Instagram account
about Emilie, and took no action to ensure that these FIS students would stop bullying
Emilie. Moreover, FIS took no further action to ensure that the fake Instagram site had,
in fact, been taken down.
64.

The incident in the gym between Emilie and MINOR STUDENT 2 was also

reported to FIS by WITNESS 4’s father in January/February 2014.
65.

WITNESS 4’s father also informed the school that the fight in the gym was

not an isolated incident but rather part of a “pattern of harassment” against Emilie by a
group of FIS students that included MINOR STUDENT 2.
66.

In approximately April or May 2014, during her sixth grade year at

Fairfield Intermediate School, Emilie was bullied and physically assault/battered by one
or more African American Fairfield students when she was pushed into a locker.

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67.

As a direct result of the bullying and harassment she suffered throughout

her the sixth grade school year at Fairfield Intermediate School, Emilie began to “cut”
herself or otherwise self-harm, suffer depression, and express self-hatred and suicidal
thoughts and impulses.
68.

Emilie’s cell phone and social media accounts started to fill with references

to bullying, depression and suicide.
69.

By all accounts, Emilie’s emotional state improved during the summer of

2014, between her sixth and seventh grade years, while school was out of session but
worsened again as her seventh grade year began in August 2014.
70.

In approximately August 2014, just prior to the start of the 2014-2015

school year, Emilie received her class schedule for the upcoming school year and learned
that she would be placed in the same “POD” (a sub-group of students from the same
group) and classes as girls who had bullied her in the sixth grade at Fairfield
Intermediate School.
71.

These girls who had bullied Emilie in sixth grade included MINOR

STUDENT 2 and MINOR STUDENT 3.
72.

This particular POD was called the “Aquarius POD.”

73.

Emilie was “very scared” to go back to school under the current

arrangement of PODS and classes.
74.

In approximately August 2014, Cindy Olsen telephoned Assistant Principal

Mark Rice, and left a message for him to get Emilie’s POD changed, in an effort to get
her away from the bullies, namely MINOR STUDENT 2 and MINOR STUDENT 3.
75.

Mr. Rice did not return Cindy Olsen’s telephone call.

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76.

On August 15, 2014, Marc Olsen contacted Mark Rice via email and

reported that “Emilie found out that there are some girls who gave her some grief
(bullying) back in the 6th grade that will be on her team.”
77.

In the August 15, 2014 email, Marc Olsen requested that Emilie be

reassigned to another POD prior to the start of school.
78.

Marc Olsen also attached his prior email dated January 30, 2014, wherein

MINOR STUDENT 3 and MINOR STUDENT 2 were named as bullies, the physical
batteries on Emilie were described, and the fake Instagram site entitled “Emilie Olsen is
Gay” was reported.
79.

Mr. Olsen requested FMS’s help and closed the email by stating, “We trust

this will be a non-issue this year.”
80.

Subsequent to his August 15, 2014 email but prior to the first day of

school, Marc Olsen arranged for a meeting with Assistant Principal Mark Rice,
regarding the bullying of Emilie and the issue of getting her POD changed.
81.

Emilie attended the meeting as well. Emilie explained to Mr. Rice in detail

about the bullying she had suffered the previous school year at the hands of MINOR
STUDENT 2, MINOR STUDENT 3, and other FIS students.
82.

Emilie identified many of her bullies by name. As she did so, Mr. Rice

brought up each bully’s profile on his computer screen. Each profile had a picture of the
bully.
83.

Mr. Rice had Emilie confirm that each student pictured on the profile was

one of her bullies. Emilie confirmed the identities of each of the bullies by their student
profile.

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84.

Emilie told Mr. Rice she was “frightened to return to school.” Despite this,

Mr. Rice refused to change Emilie’s POD.
85.

Instead, Mr. Rice suggested that Emilie “test the water,” “try to make the

most of it” for the first week of school, and “see how things went.” Mr. Rice also stated
that changing Emilie’s POD was too inconvenient for the school’s administrators.
86.

On August 20, 2014, Emilie began her seventh grade school year at

Fairfield Middle School (“FMS”).

The bullying and harassment of Emilie began

immediately with the start of her seventh grade school year.
87.

Accordingly, when Emilie’s seventh grade school year began at Fairfield

Middle School, Emilie had not been reassigned out of the POD that included MINOR
STUDENT 2, MINOR STUDENT 3 and the other confirmed bullies.

These FMS

students and others continued to bully, harass, and discriminate against Emilie.
88.

During the first week of her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School,

Emilie was bullied by one or more FMS students who had bullied her in the sixth grade
at Fairfield Intermediate School.
89.

MINOR STUDENT 2 sat behind Emilie during one of her classes at

Fairfield Middle School. MINOR STUDENT 2 and Emilie were also in the same POD
together - Aquarius.
90.

MINOR STUDENT 2 quickly began to bully and harass Emilie in the

classroom, verbally harassing her, pulling her hair, and engaging in other conduct.
91.

Outside the classroom, MINOR STUDENT 2 physically battered Emilie by

shoving and crashing into her “accidentally” while she walked the hallways of Fairfield
Middle School.

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92.

During the first part of her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School,

other FMS students witnessed the bullying and physical batteries on Emilie. During the
first period of seventh grade, other FMS students witnessed a “few people tripped her a
lot.”
93.

After the first week of school of her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle

School, Emilie informed her father, Marc Olsen, that she was being bullied and harassed
in the classroom, both verbally and physically, by other FMS students.
94.

On August 25, 2014, Marc Olsen contacted Assistant Principal Mark Rice

via email, and reported that Emile was still being bullied at Fairfield Middle School by a
female seventh grade FMS student, MINOR STUDENT 2.
95.

Further, Marc Olsen reported to Mr. Rice that “obviously MINOR

STUDENT 2 had not forgotten about Emilie and the issues from the last school year.”
Mr. Olsen reported that MINOR STUDENT 2 was now in Emilie’s classes and “is
making gestures/noises towards Emilie that is making her very uncomfortable and
disrupting her during class.”
96.

Marc Olsen requested a class change be made at that time to separate

MINOR STUDENT 2 from Emilie.
97.

On or about September 9, 2014, during her seventh grade school year at

Fairfield Middle School, a male seventh grade FMS student, MINOR STUDENT 4,
pushed Emilie into a locker.
98.

This incident was reported to Principal Lincoln Butts.

99.

Upon information and belief, Principal Butts conducted no investigation

and imposed no discipline in response to the incident.

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100.

During her seventh grade school year, Emilie suffered from multiple

physical assaults/batteries that were witnessed by fellow FMS students.
101.

On one occasion during her seventh grade year, Emilie was tripped in the

breezeway by a group of FMS students who also smacked her books out of her hands.
102.

On one occasion during her seventh grade year, a male seventh grade FMS

student, namely MINOR STUDENT 5, tripped Emilie on the ramp in the 100 Wing,
during the middle of the school day.
103.

On one occasion during her seventh grade year, Emilie was intentionally

tripped by Fairfield students outside the school bus compound, and many Fairfield
students witnessed this and just laughed at Emilie.
104.

During her seventh grade year, a male seventh grade FMS student, namely

MINOR STUDENT 6, bullied and physically battered Emilie.
105.

MINOR STUDENT 6 bullied Emilie by tripping her, by verbally harassing

her, and by taking her pencils and breaking them – on a regular basis if not daily. Upon
information and belief, MINOR STUDENT 6 admitted to other Fairfield students and
parents that he bullied Emilie.
106.

Emilie was also bullied and physically battered by one or more Fairfield

students who deliberately “stepped on her heels” and “tried to trip her” as she walked
the hallways of Fairfield Middle School during her school day.
107.

Also, during her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School, Emilie was

bullied and harassed by a male seventh grade FMS student, MINOR STUDENT 4.
108.

MINOR STUDENT 4 would bully and harass Emilie by telling her that

“Chinese people don’t wear camo.” Emilie reported these comments to her father, Marc
Olsen.

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109.

On a separate occasion, during her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle

School, Emilie was pushed into a locker by a group of male Fairfield students who
shouted at her, “Asians shouldn’t wear camo and boots.”
110.

During her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School, a group of

African-American Fairfield students also bullied Emilie, deriding her about why she
wore camouflage clothing and other “country” clothing given the fact that she was an
Asian.
111.

These African-American students targeted Emilie in part because she was

associated with a group of Caucasian students considered to be “country” or “fake
country.”
112.

During her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School, an African-

American female eighth grade FMS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 11, bullied and
harassed Emilie.
113.

After Emilie’s death, a person believed to be MINOR STUDENT 11 posted

a message on Instagram admitting that she was one of the persons who had bullied
Emilie.
114.

When asked on Instagram whether she bullied Emilie, MINOR STUDENT

11 responded: “Yeah and I am happy I did. One cracker down, one more to go. Emilie is
a slut and lucky I did not find her and hang her.”
115.

The treatment of Asian students was very poor at the Fairfield Schools

during Emilie’s attendance there.
116.

Asian students were frequently bullied and harassed for being “too smart,”

or they were labeled as “Asian eyes.”

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117.

Even students who were not Asian but who were perceived as being Asian

because of their physical appearance, were bullied and harassed. One Fairfield student
perceived to be Asian was harassed for his “slanted eyes.”
118.

Because of the racial discrimination she faced during her seventh grade

year at Fairfield Middle School, Emilie asked her father, Marc Olsen, “[w]hy can’t I be
white like you and mom?”
119.

Emilie asked her parents for permission to dye her hair to look more like a

white person.
120.

In September 2014, on multiple occasions, derogatory and racist messages

about Emilie were written on restroom walls, stalls and mirrors of various restrooms
located in Fairfield Middle School.
121.

Upon information and belief, these restrooms were used daily by both

students and teachers, and “cleaned” on a regular basis by the maintenance crew for
FMS, but the messages about Emilie were not removed or covered and remained visible.
122.

The messages about Emilie included, but were not limited to, such things

as “go die Emilie,” “Emilie is a ho,” “Emilie is a whore,” and “Go kill yourself Emilie,”
and references to Emilie’s race/national origin.
123.

These messages were written in very large letters for all to see. They were

placed in locations that were easily observable and could not have been missed by
anyone using the restrooms, including the School administrators, teachers and other
employees.
124.
Emilie

The derogatory and racist messages written in the FMS restrooms about

were

reported

and/or

witnessed

teachers/administrators, including a Mrs. Brinker.

21

firsthand

by

FIS

and/or

FMS

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125.

Upon information and belief, the derogatory and racist messages written

on the FMS restroom walls, stalls and mirrors about Emilie remained in place for
months prior to her death, beginning in approximately September 2014 and continuing
until after Emilie’s death in December 2014.
126.

On or about September 10, 2014, one of the derogatory restroom graffiti

messages written about Emilie was shown to Nancy Wasmer, Assistant Principal of the
Fairfield Middle School.
127.

Upon information and belief, Ms. Wasmer took no action in response to

being shown the derogatory and racist messages about Emilie, and Defendants allowed
the messages to remain in place.
128.

Upon information and belief, it was not until the day following Emilie’s

death, on or about December 12, 2014, that FMS administrators closed the FMS
restrooms for a couple days and “painted over” the derogatory messages about Emilie.
129.

On or about October 21, 2014, during Emilie’s seventh grade year at

Fairfield Middle School, a female seventh grade FMS student, believed to be MINOR
STUDENT 1, and a group of her friends were involved in a verbal dispute with a group of
Emilie’s friends in or near the cafeteria of FMS during school hours.
130.

The subject of the dispute was MINOR STUDENT 1’s previously-made

statement to Emilie that Emilie should go kill herself.
131.

Emilie’s friends were defending Emilie and asking MINOR STUDENT 1 to

stop her incessant bullying of Emilie. The dispute escalated into yelling and cursing.
132.

Defendant Mark Rice broke up the dispute that occurred on October 21,

2014.

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133.

Mr. Rice identified several FMS students who were involved in the dispute,

and sent these students to Principal Butts’ office.
134.

These FMS students filled out written “incident reports” recounting what

the dispute was about.
135.

These written “incident reports” were turned in to the FMS administration

and were maintained in the School’s files.
136.

In response to a public records request, the School has provided copies of

these “incident reports” to Plaintiffs, but the identities of the students who authored the
statements and the identities of the students referenced in the statements have been
redacted by Defendants.
137.

One student wrote, that: “We were just telling the people to stop messing

with Emilie Olsen and then she started calling people names….” The identity of the
student who started calling people names is believed to be female seventh grade FMS
student, MINOR STUDENT 1. The identity of the student who authored the statement
has been redacted by Defendants.
138.

Another FMS student wrote: “Alright, so last year in the sixth grade this

girl [Emilie Olsen] was getting bullied like bad and my sister just heard about it so she
went up to the girl [believed to be MINOR STUDENT 1]” and confronted her and “they
got into a big ole argument that turned into a fight. I pulled (redacted) and (redacted)
back a few times then the horn went off. Everyone was still yelling at each other and
(redacted) wouldn’t stop with the cussing and (redacted) trying to get to her then Mr.
(Mark) Rice came in and sent us up to the office.” The identity of the student who
authored the statement, and the identities of several individuals named in the
statement, have been redacted by Defendants.

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139.

A third FMS student wrote: “People last year were messing with this girl I

know [believed to be Emilie Olsen] and (we were) just telling people not to mess with
her anymore and then it turned into a big fight…It was awful last year and people are
still doing it this year and (we were) just telling them to stop.” The identity of the
student who authored the statement has been redacted by Defendants.
140.

A fourth FMS student, believed to be MINOR STUDENT 1, wrote: “A girl

named (redacted) and her friend (redacted) sat at my table at lunch and were asking me
if I said for their friend to kill themself last year.” The identity of the student who
authored the statement has been redacted by Defendants but is believed to be MINOR
STUDENT 1.
141.

The very next day, on October 22, 2014, Marc Olsen participated in a

previously-scheduled meeting with Defendant Rice and Defendant Erica Green, the
school Guidance Counselor.
142.

Mr. Olsen’s purpose in scheduling the meeting had been to address all of

his previously-expressed concerns about Emilie, including the bullying, falling grades
and Emilie’s strange behavior.
143.

Yet, at the October 22, 2014 meeting between Marc Olsen and Defendants

Rice and Green, the School did not inform Mr. Olsen of the cafeteria fight regarding
Emilie that had occurred the day before, despite the fact that: (a) the school had direct
knowledge of the fight; (b) Mark Rice was directly involved in breaking up the fight; (c)
FMS was in possession of four “incident reports” from participants in the fight; (d) the
bullying of Emilie was the subject of the fight, including MINOR STUDENT 1’s
statement that Emilie should “go kill herself”; and (e) FMS was aware of a pattern of

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bullying against Emilie, and was aware of Marc and Cindy Olsen’s repeated request for
the school to end the bullying and keep them apprised of any additional bullying.
144.

Defendants Rice and Green also failed to provide Marc Olsen any details

regarding the topic of the dispute, inform him that MINOR STUDENT 1 had allegedly
told Emilie to go kill herself, or discuss what FMS’s response would be to the fight or to
MINOR STUDENT 1’s bullying of Emilie.
145.

Instead, at the October 22, 2014 meeting, Defendants Green and Rice told

Marc Olsen that despite Emilie’s complaints of bullying, FMS would not move Emilie
out of the Aquarius POD, and that Emilie simply “needed to buckle down” and deal with
it.
146.

Immediately following the October 22, 2014 meeting, while Marc Olsen

was still at Fairfield Middle School, Mr. Rice told Mr. Olsen that WITNESS 5, had just
come to the Principal’s Office and made a report against Fairfield Middle School teacher
Tim Lewis, for berating Emilie about her poor school work and lack of friends.
147.

Mr. Olsen immediately located Mr. Lewis and confronted him about the

report made by WITNESS 5. Mr. Lewis offered no response.
148.

Defendants took no action to investigate or otherwise respond to

WITNESS 5’s report against Mr. Lewis.
149.

In the days following the October 21, 2014 cafeteria dispute involving

MINOR STUDENT 1, Emilie became physically ill and began vomiting and was not well
enough to attend school. Emilie was absent from school October 23, 24 and 25.
150.

Marc Olsen emailed the school to alert them that Emilie was physically ill

and vomiting. FMS still did not inform Mr. Olsen at that time that Emilie had recently

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been the subject of and/or involved in the cafeteria fight or that they now even had
witness statements verifying the prolonged bullying of Emilie.
151.

On October 24, 2014, Marc Olsen followed up with an email to FMS

teachers Lewis, Fernandez, Crutcher, Ninneman, and Blades, informing them that
Emilie had become physically sick from the recent stress she was enduring at school.
152.

Beyond taking written statements from several participants in the cafeteria

fight, Defendants took no action to investigate: (a) the cafeteria fight; (b) MINOR
STUDENT 1’s bullying of Emile; (c) MINOR STUDENT 1’s statement that Emilie should
kill herself; or the witness statements they now possessed about the prolonged bullying
of Emilie.
153.

Defendants did not discipline or take any corrective action with regard to

MINOR STUDENT 1 or any other students who had bullied Emilie.
154.

Defendants did not offer Emilie counseling or any other support for the

bullying she was suffering.
155.

Marc and Cindy Olsen did not learn of the October 21, 2014, cafeteria

fight or of MINOR STUDENT 1’s statement that Emilie should “go kill herself” until
after Emilie committed suicide on December 11, 2014.
156.

In the weeks following his October 22, 2014 meeting with Defendants Rice

and Green, and throughout the Fall of 2014, Marc Olsen emailed several school officials,
including FMS teachers Bamberger (aka Fullhart), Lewis, Fernandez, Crutcher, Blades
and Ninneman.
157.

Mr. Olsen reported to these officials that Emilie had been failing multiple

tests and not turning in assigned work, that she was doing it deliberately, and that it
seemed to have something to do with her wanting to be moved out of the Aquarius POD.

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158.

Mr. Olsen reported to these officials that all of a sudden Emilie did not like

her teachers and claimed they were moving too fast with the material, which was out of
character for her since she had never had any problems keeping up with school work.
159.

Mr. Olsen pleaded with these officials to help with Emilie.

160.

Several

teachers

observed

that

Emilie’s

grades

were

dropping

precipitously, that she had failed multiple tests, that she had exhibited out-of-character
behavior in class, and that she suddenly lacked interest in her school work.
161.

These teachers included Lewis, Fernandez, Crutcher, Ninneman,

Bamberger (aka Fullhart), and Blades.
162.

Despite these teachers’ observations, and despite the Defendants’

knowledge that Emilie had suffered a pattern of bullying from Fairfield students,
Defendants did not take any action to: (a) investigate or end the bullying; (b) inform the
Olsens that the bullying was occurring; (c) ensure that Emilie received counseling for
the bullying she was enduring or for her strange behavior or falling grades; or (d)
protect Emilie from contact with the bullies.
163.

On numerous occasions, Marc and Cindy Olsen contacted Fairfield Middle

School to report that Emilie was being bullied and physically battered, that she suddenly
hated going to school, that her grades were slipping despite the fact that she was
traditionally a straight “A” student, and that she was exhibiting abnormal behavior at
home.
164.

But each time the Olsens contacted the school, the Defendants either took

no action or took ineffective action to stop the bullying, discrimination and harassment.

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165.

Marc Olsen made it clear to the Defendants that Emilie’s poor grades and

strange behavior were not isolated to a single class, but were endemic to all of her
classes. He specifically informed Mr. Lewis of this fact on or about October 22, 2014.
166.

On or about October 27, 2014, FMS imposed a lunch detention on Emilie

for an unspecified reason, without providing her a warning, and failed to inform Marc
and Cindy Olsen about it.
167.

Upon information and belief, neither FIS nor FMS imposed any discipline

on any student who bullied Emilie during the entire sixth or seventh grade years.
168.

During her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School, Emilie was also

bullied and physically battered when she attended school affiliated events outside of the
classroom.
169.

Specifically, Emilie was bullied and physically battered at one of the

Fairfield football games she was attending when several Fairfield students pushed her
into a fence and yelled discriminatory comments in her face.
170.

On November 3, 2014, Emilie completed a “True Color Personality Quiz”

in her life and career planning class at School.

The quiz asked Emilie about her

personality.
171.

In filling out the quiz, Emilie described her “bad day symptoms” as

“crying, depressing, yelling and screaming, passive resistance, and going into trance.”
172.

Emilie’s quiz was turned in to school officials and maintained in

Defendants’ files.
173.

Defendants never informed Marc and Cindy Olsen that Emilie had taken

the quiz or that she had provided the aforementioned responses.

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174.

Despite their receipt of and knowledge of the quiz answers from Emilie,

Defendants never offered Emilie counseling or support, and upon information and
belief, Defendants took no further action to investigate or respond, despite their
knowledge of the bullying Emilie had suffered and her falling grades and strange
behavior.
175.

Upon information and belief, Fairfield student MINOR STUDENT 12

harassed Emilie and called her names.
176.

A person believed to be MINOR STUDENT 12 sent Emilie a Facebook

message on November 6, 2014, stating that, “I am sorry for calling you all those names.”
177.

On November 10, 2014, Marc Olsen emailed FMS teachers Lewis,

Fernandez, Crutcher, Ninneman and Blades, and reported seeing a “dramatic change”
for the worse in Emilie over the past few weeks.
178.

In approximately November 2014, a Facebook account or profile was

created about Emilie and/or was used to bully and harass Emilie.
179.

Upon information and belief, the account was created by and/or registered

to MINOR STUDENT 8.
180.

On or about November 30, 2104, MINOR STUDENT 8 bullied, sexually

harassed, and made racially discriminatory remarks against Emilie using the Facebook
account.
181.

MINOR STUDENT 8 published/sent Facebook messages to Emilie such as

“come suck me off,” “nobody wants to be your fucking friend,” “dumb bitch why you try
and be friends with me,” “you never had a dick in your life shit,” “shut that ugly ass up
bitch. All you need right now is a dick in your mouth,” “I’ll bend you over,” “nobody
wants to touch your Ebola looking ass. Go back to Africa,” “you’re stupider than I

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thought,” “mud shark,” “you’re ugly,” “your pictures look so gay…get the fuck out of here
you sad ass bitch,” “you get no dick,” “fuck you fat ass bitch,” and “where the fuck y’all
rednecks live anyways, you’re too ugly to die.”
182.

MINOR STUDENT 8 also suggested that people should have sex with

Emilie as a form of exercise, saying “hey ride this [referring to Emilie] you will lose
weight.”
183.

The Facebook account or profile also made derogatory references to

Emilie’s perceived sexual orientation and sexual practices, including but not limited to,
the status of Emilie’s relationships with other FMS students.
184.

Emilie was bullied and harassed by other Fairfield students when she

became the target of the Facebook account or profile.
185.

On November 30, 2014, in a Facebook exchange between Emilie and a

friend, Emilie expressed that she was hurt by the Facebook account that MINOR
STUDENT 8 created about her and/or used to bully and harass her.
186.

During her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School, Emilie confided

to a friend that a certain male seventh grade FMS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 7,
had been “really mean to her on Facebook.”
187.

Following her death, a person believed to be MINOR STUDENT 5, posted

an online message admitting that he was one of the students who “bullied” Emilie.
188.

As a result of the bullying she suffered during her seventh grade year at

Fairfield Middle School, Emilie began to “cut” herself again or otherwise self-harm,
suffer depression, and express self-hatred and suicidal thoughts and impulses.
189.

Emilie’s cellphone and social media accounts continued to include

references to bullying, depression and suicide.

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190.

Emilie went online and asked anonymous strangers whether they had ever

been bullied before.
191.

Emilie viewed online accounts from celebrities who had been bullied in

school. She also viewed a website that displayed pictures of nine people and displayed a
message stating: “8 victims of bullying, 1 killed herself.”
192.

Emilie also viewed a website which read “I’m just a kid and my life is a

nightmare.” She accessed another website with a picture of a young girl’s forearms that
had been intentionally cut, with a message that read “I’m not strong anymore.”
193.

Emilie became increasingly distressed by the bullying and discrimination

she was suffering at Fairfield Middle School.
194.

On December 1, 2014, Emilie had a Facebook exchange with a friend in

which she wrote:
I [am] causing all this trouble on earth. And people look at me like I’m a
freak and I’m tired of it. It hurts when you have to explain yourself to
people you don’t know or like. You feel them judging you, staring at you,
talking about you, and I’ve made up my mind, I wanna die. My New Year’s
resolution is to die. To have my perfect suicide go as planned. That’s all I
want. Cause I’m just so tired of it all…nobody would even notice or care,
so why should I? Putting a gun to my head and pulling the trigger now if
that’s the only thing that will work then I will do anything to have a gun in
my hand. I have the perfect plan. To the perfect suicide…but why does
suicide seem like the only way out? I never wanted to die in my life and
now I do. … I hate what I have become…the only people I have are you
guys. Everyone else hates me to death. Even if there adults they hate me.
I can’t please anyone with anything I do. Not even my teachers. It’s like
think I am some sort of freak. God doesn’t want me alive. I know he
doesn’t.
195.

On December 5, 2014, Julie Crutcher, the language arts teacher at Fairfield

Middle School, emailed Marc Olsen. Ms. Crutcher reported that she had observed
instances of Emilie sitting by herself in the lunch room, and often not eating lunch.

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196.

Ms. Crutcher also reported that Emilie rarely smiled in school and only

responded to questions with one word answers.
197.

Ms. Crutcher offered to have the school counselor speak to Emilie.

198.

Upon information and belief, Defendants did not arrange for Emilie to

speak with a counselor, and Defendants failed to take any further action to address the
situation.
199.

At some point in December 2014, Emilie showed a friend a bullet she had

obtained. Emilie also drew in her math notebook a picture of a handgun with a bullet
being discharged.
200. On December 11, 2014, Emilie committed suicide at her home.
201.

On or about December 16, 2014, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Defendant

Lincoln Butts, the FMS principal, entered onto the property of Marc and Cindy Olsen
unannounced and without authorization, accompanied by two Fairfield Township police
officers.
202.

The officers flashed their badges and demanded that Marc Olsen let them

in the house. At least one of the officers had a firearm visible on his person.
203.

Marc Olsen asked them what this was about and they did not respond.

Marc Olsen asked them how long it would take and they said “as long as it takes.” They
were extremely rude throughout the encounter.
204.

Butts and the officers attempted to intimidate Marc Olsen into “shutting

up” and ceasing all interviews with the local media. They told Marc Olsen he was
“stirring the pot” and “entertaining rumors” and in doing so “causing an issue for the
school and the community.”

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205.

Marc and Cindy Olsen became very upset, so Marc Olsen told Butts and

the officers that the discussion was over and they needed to leave his home.
206. One of the officers told Marc Olsen to sit back down because they were not
finished. Marc Olsen told him that he had 60 seconds to make his point.
207.

Marc Olsen then made a second demand for them to leave. They still

refused to leave. Finally, after more discussion, Marc Olsen was able to persuade Butts
and the officers to leave his property.
Fairfield’s Failure to Follow its Own Anti-Bullying Policy
208. Fairfield’s Bullying Policy (JFCF) and Fairfield Board of Education
Regulation JFCF-R are written as a series of mandatory duties that district employees
must fulfill in response to bullying of students.
209. These duties include: the duty to report acts of bullying, the duty to
promptly investigate all complaints of bullying, the duty to report acts of bullying to
parents, the duty to report criminal acts or child abuse to the proper authorities, the
duty to develop strategies against continued harassment/bullying of students, and the
duty to impose appropriate discipline on bullies.
210.

Policy JFCF states: “Hazing and Bullying in all forms are prohibited in the

Fairfield School District.”
211.

Under the policy, the definition of bullying states: “Bullying, harassment

and intimidation is an intentional written, verbal, or physical act that a student has
exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior causes
mental and/or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent or
pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational
environment for the other student. * * * Prohibited activities of any type, including those

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activities engaged in via computer and/or electronic communications devices or
electronic means, are inconsistent with the educational process and are prohibited at all
times.”
212.

Policy JFCF-R states that “cyber-bullying” is prohibited and defines it as

follows: “repetitive and hostile behavior with the intent to harm others through the use
of information and communication technologies and other web-based/online sites (also
known as ‘cyber bullying’), such as the following: A. posting slurs on websites, social
networking sites, blogs or personal online journals; B. sending abusive or threatening emails, website postings or comments and instant messages; C. using camera phones to
take embarrassing photographs or videos of students and/or distributing or posting the
photos or videos online; and D. using websites, social networking sites, blogs or
personal online journals, e-mails or instant messages to circulate gossip and rumors to
other students.”
213.

All Fairfield employees are required to “immediately report” acts of

bullying/hazing to the Superintendent (or his designee), and “appropriate discipline” is
supposed to be administered.
214.

Formal, written reports or complaints of bullying/hazing from parents or

students must be forwarded to the building principal (or his designee) “no later than the
next school day.”
215.

Informal complaints from parents or students must be written up into a

report by the teacher/employee who received them, and forwarded to the building
principal (or his designee) “no later than the next school day.”
216.

The building principal or designee is required to ensure that “all

complaints of bullying are investigated promptly.” A written report of the investigation

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must also be prepared when the investigation is complete, including findings of fact,
whether the bullying was verified, and a recommendation for intervention/discipline.
217.

Verified acts of bullying, and any discipline imposed, must be reported in

writing to the victim’s custodial parent/guardian, and the bully’s custodial
parent/guardian.
218.

Strategies to protect against continued harassment are supposed to be

developed.
219.

District administrators and employees may be subject to disciplinary

action for failure to abide by the District’s Anti-Bullying Policy.
220. Per District policy, report forms for bullying are to be completed. Blank
bullying report forms are and were available at the schools and on the District’s website
at all relevant times.
221.

However, upon information and belief, no reports were created regarding

bullying of Emilie.
222.

Defendants violated their own Anti-Bullying Policy as detailed throughout

this Complaint.
Fairfield’s Failure to Follow its Own Sexual Harassment Policy
223.

Defendants’ Sexual Harassment Policy prohibits sexual harassment and

defines sexual harassment as: “unwelcome and unsolicited sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, and other verbal or physical conduct
or communication of a sexual nature. ***”
224.

The Policy lists examples including “sexually suggestive comments or

behavior,” “sexual or dirty jokes,” “spreading rumors about or rating other persons as to
sexual activity, performance, or appearance.”

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225.

Per District policy, report forms for sexual harassment are to be

completed. Blank forms are and were available at the schools and on the District’s
website at all relevant times.
226.

However, upon information and belief, no reports were created regarding

the sexual harassment of Emilie.
227.

Defendants violated their own Sexual Harassment Policy as detailed

throughout this Complaint.
Fairfield’s Failure to Follow its Own Racial/National
Origin Harassment Policy
228.

Defendants’ Racial and National Origin Harassment Policy prohibits such

harassment.
229.

The Policy defines racial harassment as “verbal or physical conduct

relating to an individual’s race or color, when the harassing conduct has the purpose or
effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work
performance, or … otherwise adversely affects an individual’s learning or work
opportunities.”
230.

National origin discrimination is defined as “verbal or physical conduct

relating to an individual’s … country of origin…, when the harassing conduct has the
purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s
academic or work performance, or … otherwise adversely affects an individual’s learning
or work opportunities.”
231.

Examples of both racial and national origin harassment in the policy

include the following when related to or motivated by national origin: “graffiti or
writings,” “threatening or intimidating conduct,” “jokes, name calling, or rumors,”

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“ethnic slurs, negative stereotypes, and hostile acts,” and “a physical act of aggression or
assault upon another.”
232.

Per District policy, report forms for racial/national origin harassment are

to be completed. Blank forms are and were available at the schools and on the District’s
website at all relevant times.
233.

However, upon information and belief, no reports were created regarding

the racial/national origin harassment of Emilie.
234.

Defendants violated their own Racial/National Origin Harassment Policy

as detailed throughout this Complaint.
Fairfield’s Failure to Follow its Own Student Code of Conduct
235.

Defendants’ Student Code of Conduct states that “the Board has ‘zero

tolerance’ of violent, disruptive or inappropriate behavior by its students.”
236.

The Code of Conduct prohibits, among other things, assaulting another

student physically, verbally, or in written or electronic form, sexual harassment, obscene
language, racial intimidation or harassment, and bullying.
237.

Defendants violated their own Student Code of Conduct as detailed

throughout this Complaint.
Defendants’ Pattern and Practice of Failing to Properly Respond to Reports
of Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination
238.

In addition to Emilie Olsen, other Fairfield students were also bullied,

harassed and discriminated against, with the actual knowledge of the Defendants, and
Defendants failed to appropriately respond to end those practices and protect the
victims.

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239.

Defendants thereby engaged in a pattern and practice of failing to properly

respond to incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
240.

Several specific examples of this pattern and practice are set forth below.
WITNESS 1

241.

WITNESS 1 was an African-American, female sixth grade student at

Fairfield Intermediate School in 2012-13.
242.

During her sixth grade year, she bent over in the hallway to pick

something up and a fellow male student claimed to have seen her breast.
243.

This male student, as well as several others, began to mock, harass and

bully WITNESS 1 incessantly about the breast incident.
244.

WITNESS 1 reported the bullying to the Principal Jeff Madden. However,

the school refused to take any action.
245.

The school did not protect WITNESS 1 from the bullies in any fashion, and

refused to change her classes or change her POD.
246.

When WITNESS 1 began her seventh grade year at the Fairfield Middle

School in 2013-2014, the same students who had bullied her about the breast incident
started bullying her about it again.
247.

WITNESS 1 found a note in her locker that read, “WITNESS 1 you’re a

dumb bitch your life sucks it will be for the rest of the year if you remain here die in a
hole because no one likes you you’re a bitch ass whore leave the school.”
248.

WITNESS 1 gave this note to the Principal Lincoln Butts.

249.

Upon information and belief, neither Butts nor the school conducted any

investigation or took any corrective action regarding the incident.

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250.

In the summer of 2014, prior to her eighth grade year at Fairfield Middle

School, WITNESS 1 learned that someone had created a fake Instagram account
displaying her photo and the message “bitch your ugly.”
251.

A comment on the site read “look at yourself u r a fat bitch look at your

stomach you look like a hippo look at your legs fat ass u r fake as fuck no one likes you
kill yourself no one will miss you die whore.”
252.

WITNESS 1’s mother met with FMS administrators and guidance

counselors about the bullying of her daughter on several occasions and informed them
of what WITNESS 1 was experiencing.
253.

However, on information and belief, the school conducted no investigation

and took no corrective action regarding the bullying of WITNESS 1
254.

In July of 2014, several months before Emilie’s death, WITNESS 1

attempted suicide by taking a large number of pills from her mother’s prescription
medication bottle, due to the bullying she was receiving at school.
255.

Her suicide attempt was unsuccessful.

256.

Following the attempt, WITNESS 1 spent 11 days at the psychiatric ward at

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
257.

Upon information and belief, Defendants have still not investigated,

identified, or disciplined those who bullied WITNESS 1.
WITNESS 2
258.

WITNESS 2 was a Caucasian female student at Fairfield Intermediate

School who was bullied beginning in 2012-13 during her sixth grade year at FIS.

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259.

On her second day of sixth grade, as she was walking into school, a male

Fairfield student intentionally struck her with his arm, and he and his friends began to
ridicule her.
260. WITNESS 2 quickly began to dread going to school because of the bullying
and harassment she received there.
261.

WITNESS 2 was bullied at Fairfield largely because of her race and the

perception that she was “country.”
262.

A group of African American seventh grade female FMS students became

angry at WITNESS 2 because WITNESS 2 had been seen talking to an African American
male eighth grade FMS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 18.
263.

This group of FMS students included: MINOR STUDENT 13; MINOR

STUDENT 14; MINOR STUDENT 15; and MINOR STUDENT 16.
264.

This group of FMS students would slam WITNESS 2 into lockers and yell

obscenities and other harassing things at her, telling her to stay away from MINOR
STUDENT 18 because he was a black boy and she (WITNESS 2) was a white girl.
265.

WITNESS 2 was also bullied by an African American female eighth grade

FMS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 17.
266.

Among other things, MINOR STUDENT 17 would stand up in class and

loudly accuse WITNESS 2 of intentionally cutting herself.
267.

WITNESS 2 has also been bullied and harassed by African-American

students for wearing certain items of clothing to school, such as a Confederate Flag tshirt.

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268.

WITNESS 2 was repeatedly bullied on the school bus by an African

American male seventh grade FMS student, namely MINOR STUDENT 6 (who also
bullied Emilie), as well as other Fairfield students.
269.

WITNESS 2 was also bullied and harassment through social medial sites.

Anonymous persons posted harassing messages on WITNESS 2’s Instagram and
Webstagram accounts or other social media sites, threatening to “murder your family”
and calling her a “racist cunt.”
270.

Another message written to WITNESS 2 read, “I hope they shoot you

cracker,” and “hahaha you white people are pathetic.”
271.

Various Fairfield students, including MINOR STUDENT 6, would slam

WITNESS 2 into lockers both before and after Emilie Olsen’s death.
272.

The bullying and harassment WITNESS 2 suffered at Fairfield

Intermediate School and Fairfield Middle School became so bad that WITNESS 2 was
admitted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Psychiatric ward in August and October of
2014, shortly before Emilie’s death, for depression, cutting, and other effects resulting
from the bullying she suffered.
273.

WITNESS 2 told her father that she was cutting herself because she hated

school because of the bullying she was receiving there, and that the bullying made her
hate herself.
274.

WITNESS 2’s father informed FMS about WITNESS 2’s admission to

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Ward.
275.

However, no one from the school contacted him about WITNESS 2

regarding how she was doing, what school work she was missing or how to make it up,
or when she would return to school.

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276.

No one from the school provided WITNESS 2 or her father a list of the

school work that WITNESS 2 had missed or copies of assignments or reading she had
missed while she was in the hospital.
277.

In the fall of 2014, following WITNESS 2’s release from the psychiatric

ward, and before Emilie Olsen’s death, WITNESS 2’s father went to FMS and met with
Defendant Rice concerning the bullying of WITNESS 2.
278.

WITNESS 2’s father had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Rice, detailing

the bullying that WITNESS 2 had suffered at Fairfield.
279.

WITNESS 2’s father informed Mr. Rice that WITNESS 2 had even spent

time in the psychiatric ward because of the bullying she had suffered at Fairfield.
280. Also present at the meeting were Officer Kinkade and the Guidance
Counselor.
281.

At the meeting, WITNESS 2’s father specifically asked Mr. Rice to review

the school surveillance cameras and find out who was involved with bullying WITNESS
2. Mr. Rice refused to do so.
282.

Upon information and belief, no Fairfield official conducted any

investigation into the bullying of WITNESS 2, or took any action to discipline those
involved.
283.

When WITNESS 2 returned to school after her hospital admissions, the

bullying continued. WITNESS 2 reported the bullying to her first period teacher, Ms.
Mosaic.
284.

Ms. Mosaic agreed to stand outside the classroom door and observe

WITNESS 2 walk from her first period classroom to her second period classroom, to

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ensure there would be no bullying; however, upon information and belief, neither Ms.
Mosaic nor any other school official took further action regarding the bullying.
285.

Also, after WITNESS 2’s return to school following her hospital

admissions, a private therapist hired by WITNESS 2’s family would go to Fairfield
Middle School every Monday to check on WITNESS 2 and see how she was doing.
286.

The therapist would pull WITNESS 2 out of class to talk to her, with the

school’s knowledge.

Still, Defendants took no action to stop the bullying or help

WITNESS 2 with the effects of the bullying.
287.

To the contrary, the School informed WITNESS 2’s family that it did not

like WITNESS 2 seeing a counselor during school hours.
288. After Emile Olsen’s death, WITNESS 2’s father went to Fairfield again and
reported to Mr. Rice that WITNESS 2 was being bullied by MINOR STUDENT 6.
289.

WITNESS 2 also went to Mr. Rice and filled out an incident report stating

that she was being bullied by MINOR STUDENT 6.
290. No one at the school offered WITNESS 2 any suggestions on how to handle
the bullying. They provided her no information about bullying. They did not offer her
counseling to deal with the bullying.
291.

No one from the school followed up with her at any point thereafter

regarding any steps the school is taking to investigate or otherwise deal with the
bullying.
292.

Following Emilie Olsen’s death, a Fairfield student sent WITNESS 2 online

messages stating, “I hope you die just like [Emilie Olsen],” and “I hope I find Emilie
Grace’s grave and take her body and hang it on her doorstep,” and “I hope Emilie Olsen
died sooner. I hope my nigger ass cum in her mouth and gave her aids bitch.”

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WITNESS 3
293.

WITNESS 3 was a Caucasian male classmate of Emilie Olsen at Fairfield

Intermediate School and at Fairfield Middle School.
294.

WITNESS 3 was bullied by students at Fairfield Intermediate School and

Fairfield Middle School.
295.

On a regular basis, other students would call him “gay” and say he liked

boys, ridicule him for having a high voice and walking in an effeminate manner, and
throw food at him in the cafeteria.
296.

WITNESS 3 and his mother met with Principal Butts at Fairfield Middle

School and reported the bullying.
297.

Principal Butts accused WITNESS 3 of lying, and told WITNESS 3 and his

mother that he did not want to add the bullying of WITNESS 3 to his already-long list of
everyday problems at the school.
298.

WITNESS 3 also submitted written anti-bullying reports to Mr. Butts, and

to counselors Erica Greene and Yvonne Smith regarding the bullying he suffered in
school.
299.

Neither Principal Butts nor any other Fairfield official investigated the

bullying of WITNESS 3 or took effective action to identify and discipline those
responsible.
300. WITNESS 3 was also the target of online bullying. A female Fairfield
student sent him repeated online messages calling him “gay” and making fun of him for
his perceived homosexual orientation.

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301.

WITNESS 3 submitted a written report/complaint about the online

bullying to the Fairfield Intermediate School. He also personally showed the Fairfield
fifth grade principal screen shots of the online messages.
302.

The student who sent the online messages was not disciplined, and was

not separated from WITNESS 3 at the school.
303.

The school refused to inform WITNESS 3’s parents regarding whether the

female student had received any consequences for her actions, or whether the school
would take any action to end the bullying, investigate other students who were bullying
WITNESS 3, or protect WITNESS 3 in any way.
304.

WITNESS 3 was a member of Fairfield’s select choir program.

305.

During his time a choir member, he was harassed by a Mr. Clark, the

program director.
306.

Mr. Clark accused WITNESS 3 of having hair that was too long and

implied it was too effeminate. He insisted WITNESS 3 cut his hair before a choir
performance, handing WITNESS 3 a pair of scissors and demanding that WITNESS 3
“cut it or go home.”
307.

Humiliated, WITNESS 3 went into the restroom and cut his hair with the

scissors so that he would not have to go home.
308. Nevertheless, WITNESS 3 was still suspended from the choir and his
grades declined immediately after this incident.
309.

Because of the bullying he endured at Fairfield, WITNESS 3 suffered

depression, anxiety, and severe emotional distress for which he required and received
psychological counseling.

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310.

As a result of the bullying and Defendants’ refusal to take any responsive

action, WITNESS 3’s mother withdrew him from Fairfield and enrolled him at a
different school.
WITNESS 4
311.

WITNESS 4 is a female Asian-American eighth grade student at Fairfield

Middle School. She was a classmate and friend of Emilie Olsen.
312.

Both WITNESS 4 and Emilie were in the seventh grade at Fairfield Middle

School when Emilie committed suicide.
313.

WITNESS 4 has experienced bullying at Fairfield Middle School due to her

race and/or nationality.
314.

On or about October 5, 2015, during her eighth grade at FMS, WITNESS 4

was physically battered during gym class by fellow student, MINOR STUDENT 4 (who
also bullied Emilie Olsen).
315.

During a game of hockey in gym class, WITNESS 3 was running down the

court when MINOR STUDENT 4 stuck out his hockey stick and intentionally tripped
WITNESS 4.
316.

WITNESS 4 fell to the floor and struck her head.

317.

WITNESS 4 has no memory of the ensuing few minutes.

318.

The varsity assistant football coach and eighth grade basketball coach, Mr.

Davis, who was supervising gym class, did not evaluate WITNESS 4 for concussion
symptoms and did not take any corrective disciplinary action in regard to MINOR
STUDENT 4.

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319.

When WITNESS 4’s parents learned of the incident, they took her to be

evaluated by a medical doctor. The doctor determined that WITNESS 4 had suffered a
mild concussion.
320.

After the incident, MINOR STUDENT 4 bragged that he tripped WITNESS

4 on purpose because she is Asian.
321.

After WITNESS 4’s father contacted the school about the incident, FMS

officials told WITNESS 4’s father that they had reviewed a surveillance camera from the
gym class, and that they would take no further action.
322.

It was only after continued pressure from WITNESS 4’s father, and the

assistance of several Fairfield students who came forward and informed the eighth
grade principal, Mrs. Ernst, that MINOR STUDENT 4 had continued to brag about
tripping WITNESS 4 on purpose, that Mrs. Ernst and the School Resource Officer
agreed to review the surveillance video a second time.
323.

This time, Defendants concluded that the tripping was intentional.

Whether the school will take disciplinary action against MINOR STUDENT 4 remains to
be seen. Upon information and belief, Defendants have taken no action against MINOR
STUDENT 4 to date.
324.

The school’s initial response in failing to properly evaluate WITNESS 4 for

signs and symptoms of a concussion or other injuries, failing to investigate the tripping
despite the school’s knowledge of MINOR STUDENT 4’s history of bullying at the
school, and failing to respond appropriately to WITNESS 4’s father’s complaints about
the racially motivated and intentional battery on his daughter during school hours and
on school property, is indicative of Fairfield’s continued pattern and practice of gross

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negligence in responding to incidents of bullying, battery, and racially based
harassment.
Size and Scope of the Bullying Problem at Fairfield Schools
325.

Defendants’ pattern and practice of failing to properly respond to

incidents of bullying and failing to stem the tide of bullying is also evident from the size
and scope of reported bullying incidents at Fairfield Schools.
326.

In accordance with Ohio law and the District’s policy, Defendants are

required to prepare a report for the Board’s President on the “number of recorded
bullying incidents.”
327.

According to a report created by Defendants, during the period of August

22, 2012 through December 31, 2012, there were 82 incidents of hazing and/or bullying
reported. Of those reported, 7 were confirmed reports of bullying.
328.

According to a report created by Defendants, during the period January 1,

2013 through June 30, 2013, there were 41 incidents of hazing and/or bullying reported.
Of those reported, 14 were confirmed reports of bullying.
329.

According to a report created by Defendants, during the period August 22,

2013 through December 31, 2013, there were 36 incidents of hazing and/or bullying
reported. Of those reported, 14 were confirmed reports of bullying.
330.

Of those 14 confirmed reports, 10 were confirmed reports from the

Fairfield Intermediate School during Emilie’s sixth grade year, involving “8 different
students, repeat offenses.”
331.

According to a report created by Defendants, during the period January 1,

2014 through June 4, 2014, there were 26 incidents of hazing and/or bullying reported.
Of those reported, 13 were confirmed reports of bullying.

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332.

According to a report created by Defendants, during the period “August

2014 and December 2014,” there were 44 incidents of hazing and/or bullying reported.
Of those reported, 17 were confirmed reports of bullying.
333.

For the period August 2012 through December 2014, there were 16

incident reports filed by the Fairfield Police Department against Fairfield students as a
result of incidents involving students at the Fairfield Schools.
Defendants Continuing Disregard for and Disrespect of Emilie Olsen and
Other Victims of Bullying and Discrimination
334.

Despite the tragic death of Emilie Olsen, the attempted suicides of

WITNESS 1 and WITNESS 2, and Defendants’ knowledge of persistent bullying,
discrimination and other misconduct in their schools, Defendants continue to
demonstrate a disregard for and disrespect of Emilie Olsen and other victims of bullying
and discrimination.
335.

As recently as the week of November 30, 2015, Defendant Lincoln Butts

presided over an administrative meeting of Fairfield Middle School officials and
employees to discuss issues including the upcoming memorial service for Emilie Olsen
scheduled for December 11, 2014, marking the one-year anniversary of her death.
336.

At said meeting, Defendant Butts played the song “Another One Bites the

Dust” by “Queen” in a callous and blatant exhibition of disrespect for Emilie Olsen and
her friends and family.
COUNT I
Violation of U.S. Constitution Amendment XIV
Substantive Due Process
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]

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337.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

338.

The actions of all Defendants constitute a violation of Emilie Olsen’s and

Plaintiffs’ constitutional rights under the Substantive Due Process Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment.
339.

These rights include Emilie’s right to life, liberty, familial relationship,

education, and freedom from government actions that shock the conscience, as well as
the right of Marc and Cindy Olsen to the familial relationship, companionship, care,
custody and management of their child, including the right to control her education.
340.

Defendants had actual knowledge that the bullying, harassment,

assault/battery, and discrimination Emilie suffered was so severe that it deprived Emile
of the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Substantive Due Process Clause of
the Fourteenth Amendment.
341.

Defendants had sufficient time to deliberate and decide upon a proper

course of action to the bullying and other wrongs suffered by Emilie. Defendants were
not required to act in haste.
342.

Defendants’ actions and omissions, in failing to intervene on behalf of

Emilie Olsen, were so reprehensible that it is shocking to the conscience and violative of
Emilie’s substantive due process rights and those of Plaintiffs.
343.

The practices, policies, or customs of Defendants for responding to such

bullying, harassment, assault/battery, and discrimination were so clearly unreasonable
in light of known circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that each of the
Defendants intended for these events to occur, or were deliberately and callously
indifferent to their occurrence, or were grossly negligent or reckless in permitting them
to occur.

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344.

The affirmative acts and the omissions of the Defendants created a risk

and/or increased the risk that Emilie Olsen would be exposed to bullying, harassment,
assault/battery, and discrimination by other Fairfield students including without
limitation MINOR STUDENTS 1-17.
345.

Because Emilie faced special and specific dangers of being bullied,

harassed, assaulted/battered, and discriminated against by Fairfield students
(particularly MINOR STUDENTS 1-17), Defendants actions and omissions created a risk
and/or placed Emilie specifically at risk.
346.

Defendants knew or should have known that their actions and omissions

created a danger and/or specifically endangered Emilie Olsen, including without
limitation:
a. the repeated decisions of Defendants to hide information from the
Olsens about the bullying, harassment and batteries against Emilie,
including the school’s knowledge that MINOR STUDENT 1 had told
Emilie to go kill herself in October 2014;
b. their repeated failure to complete reports regarding the bullying of
Emilie;
c. their repeated refusals to investigate or discipline Emilie’s bullies, or at
least separate Emilie from the bullies and protect her from them,
despite knowledge of the bullies’ identities, despite requests from the
Olsens that Emilie be separated from the bullies, and despite
Defendants’ knowledge that any remedial action they had taken was
ineffective; and
d. their failure to respond to the derogatory messages about Emilie online
and in the bathrooms.
347.

The practices, policies, or customs of Defendants have substantially

contributed to and exacerbated an environment in which it was customary for students
such as Emilie Olsen, and WITNESS 1, WITNESS 2, WITNESS 3, and WITNESS 4 to be
bullied, harassed, assaulted/battered, and discriminated against.

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348.

Even when students reported the bullying, asked for help, became

desperate and attempted suicide, Defendants persisted in their custom of failing to take
effective action, thereby acquiescing in the wrongful conduct.
349.

Defendants also:
(a) failed to enforce Defendants’ anti-bullying, anti-harassment, and antidiscrimination policies;
(b) failed to adequately train and/or negligently trained School District
staff regarding said those policies, and about proper methods of
responding to such events;
(c) failed to properly oversee, supervise, and discipline staff in carrying out
their duties under these policies; and
(d) failed to adopt, and/or implement adequate policies and procedures
regarding
bullying,
harassment,
assault/battery,
sexual
and
racial/national origin discrimination necessary to prevent the
constitutional violations suffered by Emilie Olsen.

350.

Defendants’ actions and omissions reflect their toleration of a widespread

policy, practice or custom of failing to adequately respond to bullying, harassment and
assault/battery so as to safeguard the constitutionally protected rights of students.
351.

This policy, practice or custom condoned, fostered, encouraged, and tacitly

approved of the unconstitutional response and lack of response of Defendants to
bullying, harassment, and assault/battery taking place in Fairfield Schools, and directly
and proximately caused the violation of Emilie’s constitutional rights.
352.

As a result of Defendants’ conduct, Plaintiffs have been damaged,

including without limitation extreme emotional pain and suffering and loss of
companionship of their daughter.
COUNT II
Violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.
Discrimination on the Basis of National Origin

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[Against the School Board and the School District]
353.

Plaintiffs incorporate by reference all preceding paragraphs.

354.

Upon information and belief, the School District, the School Board, FIS,

and FMS are recipients of federal financial assistance.
355.

The acts and omissions Defendants Fairfield City School District Board of

Education and Fairfield City School District, which include acts and omissions of School
District officials and employees, violated Emilie Olsen’s rights under Title VI by
discriminating against her on the basis of race (Asian) and/or national origin (Chinese).
356.

Defendants had actual notice that bullying and harassment based on race

and/or national origin was so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it created
a hostile climate based on race and/or national origin that deprived Emilie Olsen of
access to educational programs, activities, and opportunities.
357.

Defendants, including policymakers, officials and other School District

employees, exhibited deliberate indifference to the bullying, harassment and
discrimination against Emilie Olsen based on race and/or national origin in violation of
Title VI.
358.

Through

their

unlawful

and

intentional

deliberate

indifference,

Defendants caused Emilie Olsen to be subjected to the above-described race and/or
national origin discrimination.
359.

Defendants’ violations of Title VI were the actual, direct, and proximate

cause of injuries suffered by Emilie Olsen as alleged.
360. Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor against Defendants as set forth
below.

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COUNT III
Violation of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 20 U.S.C. § 1681
Sex Discrimination
[Against the School Board and the School District]
361.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

362.

Emilie Olsen suffered harassment on the basis of her gender, her perceived

sexual orientation, and her perceived sexual practices/promiscuity, while attending
Fairfield Intermediate School and Fairfield Middle School.
363.

The harassment was so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it

deprived her of access to the educational opportunities or benefits provided by the
schools.
364.

This harassment was reported to Defendants and Defendants had actual

knowledge of the harassment.
365.

Defendants’ response to these reports was deliberately indifferent in that it

was clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances.
366.

Furthermore, Defendants knew or should have known that any actions it

had taken in response to the harassment were inadequate and ineffective.
367.

Defendants also failed to notify Defendant JOHN/JANE DOE 21, the

Fairfield City School District Title IX coordinator/administrator, of the harassment and
discrimination Emilie suffered on the basis of sex, and failed to conduct an investigation
into this conduct.
368.

Defendants thus violated Emilie Olsen’s right to be free from

discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities
in violation of Title IX, 20 U.S.C. Section 1681.

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369.

As a direct and proximate result of the actions and conduct of Defendants,

Emilie Olsen suffered further harassment and was made vulnerable to further
harassment on the basis of sex, and was deprived of her access to the educational
opportunities and benefits that the school provided.
370.

As a direct and proximate result of the actions and conduct of Defendants,

Plaintiffs have suffered and continue to suffer extreme emotional distress and loss of the
care and companionship of Emilie.
COUNT IV
Unlawful Policy, Practice, or Custom in Failing to Respond to Bullying,
Harassment, and Assault/Battery
(Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978))
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
371.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

372.

Defendants violated their obligations to maintain lawful policies and

procedures pursuant to Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978), and also
pursuant to R.C. § 2307.44, § 3313.666(B), and § 3313.534.
373.

Defendants’ actions and omissions reflect their toleration of a widespread

policy, practice or custom of failing to adequately respond and/or negligently
responding to bullying, harassment and assault/battery so as to safeguard the
constitutionally protected rights of students.
374.

This policy, practice or custom condoned, fostered, encouraged,

acquiesced in and tacitly approved of the unconstitutional response, and lack of
response, of Defendants to bullying, harassment, and assault/battery taking place in the
Fairfield Intermediate and Middle Schools.

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375.

This policy, practice or custom was the moving force behind the violations

of Emilie’s constitutional and federally protected rights.
376.

Defendants were deliberately and callously indifferent, or grossly negligent

or reckless with regard to this deprivation of Emilie’s constitutional and federally
protected rights.
377.

Defendants’ unlawful policy, practice or custom was also evident by their

deliberate indifference in:
a. the actions taken by officials with final decision-making authority,
including without limitation;
i. the repeated decisions of Defendants to hide information from
the Olsens about the bullying, harassment and batteries against
Emilie, including the school’s knowledge that MINOR
STUDENT 1 had told Emilie to go kill herself in October 2014;
ii. their repeated failure to complete reports regarding the bullying
of Emilie; and
iii. their repeated refusals to investigate or discipline Emilie’s
bullies, or at least separate Emilie from the bullies and protect
her from them, despite knowledge of the bullies’ identities,
despite requests from the Olsens that Emilie be separated from
the bullies, and despite Defendants’ knowledge that any
remedial action they had taken was ineffective; and
iv. their failure to respond to the derogatory messages about Emilie
online and in the bathrooms.
b. failing to properly train, oversee, supervise, and discipline their
officials and teachers in proper methods of responding to bullying,
harassment, and assault/battery, and/or negligently performing these
responsibilities.
c. The training and supervision was obviously and clearly inadequate
and/or negligent, especially given the conduct of administrators and
teachers described in the Complaint, including without limitation:
i.

their failure to report incidents of bullying, harassment and
assault/battery to their superiors or complete reports on the
same;

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ii.

their failure to communicate with each other and comprehend
that Emilie’s falling grades and out-of-character behavior was
related to the bullying she was suffering;

iii.

Tim Lewis’s screaming at and berating of Emilie for not having
friends and for her falling grades, despite the school’s knowledge
of Emilie’s bullying problems;

iv.

Erica Green’s failure to offer Emilie counseling and/or adequate
counseling;

v.

the failure of the school to offer Emilie counseling and/or take
interventionist measures after seeing she was eating alone in the
lunchroom;

vi.

the failure of teachers to detect and report bullying of Emilie by
MINOR STUDENT 2 happening in the classroom;

vii.

the failure of Principal Butts to personally intervene and end the
bullying despite direct knowledge of the bullying and batteries
against Emilie.

d. failing to follow their own anti-bullying policies, as described above,
e. failing to maintain, adopt, and/or implement policies and procedures
regarding bullying, harassment and assault/battery necessary to
prevent the constitutional violations suffered by Emilie Olsen;
f. failing to maintain files on bullies/harassers, and the failure to institute
a tracking system for bullying, harassment, and assault/battery
incidents.
378.

Defendants’ conduct was also part of a pattern and practice in which

Defendants failed to protect Fairfield students from bullying, harassment, and
assault/battery, as evidenced by Defendants’ failure to protect WITNESS 1, WITNESS 2,
WITNESS 3, WITNESS 4, and other students, and as evidenced by the high number of
bullying complaints at the schools and the repeated occasions on which the police were
called to the schools to intervene and/or occasions on which incident reports were filed

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by the Fairfield Police Department against Fairfield students as a result of incidents at
the Fairfield Schools.
379.

Before Emilie’s death, Defendants were clearly on notice, and knew or

should have known of their own prior constitutional violations as well as those of other
Fairfield City School District employees, including without limitation the failure to
protect Emilie Olsen, WITNESS 1, WITNESS 2, and WITNESS 3 from bullying,
harassment and assault/battery, and the consequent harm suffered by those students,
including the attempts at suicide and self-harm by WITNESS 1 and WITNESS 2.
380. Defendants were deliberately indifferent, and knew or should have known
that these violations reflected the toleration of a widespread policy, practice or custom
of failing to adequately respond to bullying, harassment and assault/battery so as to
safeguard the constitutionally protected rights of students, the failure to adopt and/or
implement adequate policies, and deficient/negligent training, oversight, supervision,
and discipline.
381.

Defendants were deliberately indifferent, and knew or should have known

that these actions and omissions were likely to cause injury to students, and actually
caused injury to students including Emilie Olsen and WITNESSES 1-4.
382.

As a direct and proximate result of the conduct of Defendants, Emilie

Olsen and Plaintiffs have suffered the deprivation of their constitutional rights, and
Plaintiffs have suffered extreme emotional distress and loss of companionship.
COUNT V
Unlawful Policy, Practice, or Custom in Failing to Respond to Sexual
Discrimination
(Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978))

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[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
383.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing, as if fully rewritten herein.

384.

Defendants violated their obligations to maintain lawful policies and

procedures pursuant to Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978), and also
pursuant to R.C. § 2307.44, § 3313.666(B), and § 3313.534.
385.

Defendants’ conduct, described throughout the Complaint, reflects their

toleration of a widespread policy, practice or custom of failing to adequately respond to
sexual discrimination and harassment so as to safeguard the constitutionally protected
rights of students.
386.

This policy, practice or custom condoned, fostered, encouraged,

acquiesced in and tacitly approved of the unconstitutional response, and lack of
response, of Defendants to sexual discrimination and harassment taking place in FIS
and FMS.
387.

This policy, practice or custom was the moving force behind the violations

of Emilie’s constitutional and federally protected rights.
388. Defendants were deliberately and callously indifferent, or grossly negligent
or reckless with regard to this deprivation of Emilie’s constitutional and federally
protected rights.
389.

Defendants’ unlawful policy, practice or custom was also evident by their

deliberate indifference in:
(a) the actions taken by officials with final decision-making authority;
(b) failing to properly train, oversee, supervise, and discipline their
officials and teachers in proper methods of responding to sexual
discrimination and harassment, and/or negligently performing these
responsibilities;

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(c) failing to follow their own sexual harassment policies;
(d) failing to maintain, adopt, and/or implement policies and procedures
regarding sexual discrimination and harassment necessary to prevent the
constitutional violations suffered by Emilie Olsen;
(e) failing to maintain files on discriminators/harassers, and the failing to
institute a tracking system for such incidents.
390. Defendants’ actions and omissions were also part of a pattern and practice
in which Defendants failed to protect Fairfield students from bullying, harassment and
discrimination on the basis of sex, as evidenced by Defendants’ failure to protect
WITNESS 1, WITNESS 2, and other students.
391.

Before Emilie’s death, Defendants were clearly on notice, and knew or

should have known of prior constitutional violations, including without limitation the
failure to protect Emilie Olsen, WITNESS 1, WITNESS 2, and WITNESS 3 from sexual
discrimination, and the attempts at suicide and self-harm by WITNESS 1 and WITNESS
2.
392.

Defendants knew or should have known that these violations reflected the

toleration of a widespread policy, practice or custom of failing to adequately respond to
sexual discrimination so as to safeguard the constitutionally protected rights of
students,

the

failure

to

adopt

and/or

implement

adequate

policies,

and

deficient/negligent training, oversight, supervision, and discipline.
393.

Defendants knew or should have known that these actions and omissions

were likely to cause injury to students, and actually caused injury to students including
Emilie Olsen and WITNESS 1 and WITNESS 2.

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394.

As a direct and proximate result of the actions and conduct of Defendants,

Emilie Olsen and Plaintiffs have suffered the deprivation of their constitutional rights,
and Plaintiffs have suffered extreme emotional distress and loss of companionship.
COUNT VI
Unlawful Policy, Practice, or Custom in Failing to Respond to
Race/National Origin Discrimination
(Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978))
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
395.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

396.

Defendants violated their obligations to maintain lawful policies and

procedures pursuant to Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978), and also
pursuant to R.C. § 2307.44, § 3313.666(B), and § 3313.534.
397.

Defendants’ conduct, described throughout the Complaint, reflects their

toleration of a widespread policy, practice or custom of failing to adequately respond to
race/national origin discrimination so as to safeguard the constitutionally protected
rights of students.
398.

This policy, practice or custom condoned, fostered, encouraged,

acquiesced in and tacitly approved of the unconstitutional response, and lack of
response, of Defendants to race/national origin discrimination taking place in FIS and
FMS.
399.

This policy, practice or custom was the moving force behind the violations

of Emilie’s constitutional and federally protected rights.

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400. Defendants were deliberately and callously indifferent, or grossly negligent
or reckless with regard to this deprivation of Emilie’s constitutional and federally
protected rights.
401.

Defendants’ unlawful policy, practice or custom was also evident by their

deliberate indifference in:
(a) the actions taken by officials with final decision-making authority;
(b) failing to properly train, oversee, supervise, and discipline their
officials and teachers in proper methods of responding to race/national
origin
discrimination,
and/or
negligently
performing
these
responsibilities;
(c) failing to follow their own race/national origin discrimination policies;
(d) failing to maintain, adopt, and/or implement policies and procedures
regarding race/national origin discrimination and harassment necessary
to prevent the constitutional violations suffered by Emilie Olsen;
(e) failing to maintain files on discriminators/harassers, and the failing to
institute a tracking system for such incidents.
402.

Defendants’ actions and omissions were also part of a pattern and practice

in which Defendants failed to protect Fairfield students from race/national origin
discrimination, as evidenced by Defendants’ failure to protect WITNESS 1, WITNESS 2,
and WITNESS 4.
403.

Before Emilie’s death, Defendants were clearly on notice, and knew or

should have known of prior constitutional violations, including without limitation the
failure to protect Emilie Olsen, WITNESS 1, and WITNESS 2, from race/national origin
discrimination, and the attempts at suicide and self-harm by WITNESS 1 and WITNESS
2.
404.

Defendants knew or should have known that these violations reflected the

toleration of a widespread policy, practice or custom of failing to adequately respond to

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race/national origin discrimination so as to safeguard the constitutionally protected
rights of students, the failure to adopt and/or implement adequate policies, and
deficient/negligent training, oversight, supervision, and discipline.
405.

Defendants knew or should have known that these actions and omissions

were likely to cause injury to students, and actually caused injury to students including
Emilie Olsen and WITNESS 2 and WITNESS 4.
406. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and conduct of Defendants,
Emilie Olsen and Plaintiffs have suffered the deprivation of their constitutional rights,
and Plaintiffs have suffered extreme emotional distress and loss of companionship.
COUNT VII
Violation of U.S. Constitution Amendment XIV, Denial of Equal Protection
on the Basis of Race and/or National Origin
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
407.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

408. The Defendants, acting under color of state law, have deprived Emilie
Olsen of the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Equal Protection Clause of
the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, in that Defendants, without
justification, have intentionally discriminated against Emilie Olsen on the basis of her
race and/or national origin.
409. Defendants had actual and/or constructive knowledge that bullying,
harassment and discrimination based on race and/or national origin was so severe,
pervasive, and objectively offensive that it created a hostile climate that deprived Emilie
Olsen of access to educational programs, activities, and opportunities.

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410.

The practices, policies, or customs of Defendants and their policymakers

for responding to such bullying, discrimination and harassment based on race and/or
national origin were so clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances as to
give rise to a reasonable inference that each of the Defendants named in this claim
intended for the bullying, discrimination and harassment to occur.
411.

The practices, policies, or customs of the Defendants and their

policymakers for responding to such bullying, discrimination and harassment based on
race and/or national origin substantially contributed to a continuing, widespread, and
persistent pattern of misconduct in responding to and/or failing to respond to such acts.
412.

The practices, policies, or customs of the Defendants and their

policymakers have substantially contributed to the creation of a pervasive anti-Asian
and/or anti-Chinese climate in the District and exacerbated the epidemic of anti-Asian
and/or anti-Chinese harassment in District schools.
413.

Defendants also failed to adequately train and/or negligently trained

School District staff about policies prohibiting bullying, harassment and discrimination
on the basis of race and/or national origin, as specified throughout the Complaint.
414.

These Defendants’ failure to train and/or negligent training caused Emilie

Olsen to be subjected to bullying, discrimination and harassment on the basis of race
and/or national origin.
415.

Defendants Otten, Butts, Madden, Rice, Cline, Muller, Wasmer, as officials

with supervisory responsibilities, also implicitly authorized, approved of, or knowingly
acquiesced in the unconstitutional conduct of subordinates in failing to properly
respond to bullying, harassment and discrimination on the basis of race and/or national

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origin directed against Emilie Olsen, and thereby acted with deliberate indifference to
the violation of Emilie’s rights.
416.

The violations of Emilie Olsen’s rights under the Fourteenth Amendment

by each of the Defendants named in this claim were the actual, direct, and proximate
cause of injuries suffered by Emilie Olsen and Plaintiffs as alleged.
417.

Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor against each of the Defendants

named in this claim, as set forth below.
COUNT VIII
Negligence / Gross Negligence
[Against All Defendants]
418.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

419.

The actions of all Defendants, including MINOR STUDENTS 1 through

and including 8, as enumerated above, in: (a) bullying, harassing, assaulting, battering
and discriminating against Emilie Olsen; and in (b) failing to properly respond to the
bullying, assault/battery, harassment, and discrimination against Emilie, despite their
actual and constructive knowledge of these events, and their directly witnessing
physical, verbal and other forms of bullying and abuse against Emilie, constitute
negligence, recklessness, and/or gross negligence under Ohio law.
420.

The Defendants’ negligence, recklessness, and gross negligence includes

without limitation: failing to follow federal and Ohio law; failing to follow their own
anti-bullying policies, as specified above; failing to investigate and end the bullying;
failing to identify and discipline the bullies of Emilie; failing to report bullying incidents
to the school administration; and failing to inform the Olsens about bullying incidents
within the school’s knowledge.

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421.

The Defendants’ negligence, recklessness, and gross negligence includes

without limitation their failure to create and implement policies necessary for the
government of their schools and pupils, as required by R.C. § 3313.20.
422.

Defendants’ recklessness and gross negligence also includes its violations

of Ohio’s Anti-Bullying statute, Ohio Revised Code § 3313.666. These violations include
without limitation: (a) failure to document incidents of bullying and harassment against
Emilie in writing and notify the Olsens of the incidents; (b) failure to use intervention
strategies for protecting Emilie from additional bullying, harassment or retaliation; (c)
failure to use interventions or disciplinary procedures for the bullies/harassers of
Emilie.
423.

Defendant Erica Green’s negligence, recklessness, and gross negligence

includes her failure to offer counseling and/or adequate counseling to Emilie Olsen
despite requests for counseling from Marc and Cindy Olsen and despite her knowledge
of the bullying and other wrongs suffered by Emilie, including her knowledge that a
Fairfield student/students had told Emilie to go kill herself.
424.

Defendants Green and Mark Rice were also reckless and grossly negligent

in failing to report the cafeteria dispute and the “go kill yourself” statement, made by
MINOR STUDENT 1, to Marc and Cindy Olsen.
425.

The actions of all Defendants constitute malicious purpose, bad faith and

wanton and reckless conduct in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2744.03(A)(6).
426.

As a direct result of the actions and conduct of Defendants, Plaintiffs have

been damaged including extreme emotional distress and loss of companionship of
Emilie.

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COUNT IX
Wrongful Death
[Against All Defendants]
427.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

428.

Plaintiffs Marc and Cindy Olsen bring this wrongful death claim as co-

administrators of the Estate of Emilie Olsen for the exclusive benefit of themselves as
parents of Emilie, and as parents and next friends of C.O., the minor sister of Emilie.
429.

The gross negligence and neglect, and other actions and omissions of

Defendants described herein, including those of MINOR STUDENTS 1 through and
including 8, directly and proximately caused the death of Emilie Olsen, and would have
entitled Emilie to maintain an action against Defendants and recover damages if her
death had not ensued.
430.

Emilie left no surviving spouse and is survived by her parents, Marc and

Cindy Olsen, and her minor sister C.O., all of whom are the beneficiaries of this action.
431.

Plaintiffs Marc and Cindy Olsen, and C.O., have suffered damages as a

result of Defendants’ negligence and neglect, including without limitation: loss of
services, loss of society including loss of companionship, care, assistance, and attention,
mental anguish, and funeral and burial expenses.
COUNT X
Breach of Duty of Care and Supervision
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
432.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

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433.

Emilie Olsen was at all relevant times under the care, custody, control and

supervision of Defendants, and was in fact compelled by the laws of the State of Ohio to
attend school and submit to the care, custody, and control of school authorities.
434.

Defendants had a duty to care for, protect, supervise, support and control

their students; to exercise a duty of reasonable care in loco parentis; and to avoid
creating a substantial risk to the health or safety of their students either by action or
omission.
435.

The foregoing duties are established by the common law of Ohio, as well as

by Ohio R.C. §§ 2151.03, 2919.22, 3313.20, 3313.666, 2307.44, 3313.666(B), 2151.421,
and 3313.534.
436.

Defendants also entered into a special relationship, and assumed a

heightened duty of care by promising and agreeing, with Emilie and the Olsens that they
would exercise added vigilance over Emilie, ensure that she was protected, and offer her
support, guidance, and counseling.
437.

The actions of Defendants, as enumerated in this Complaint, constitute a

violation of the aforementioned duties.
438.

The actions and omissions of all Defendants constitute malicious purpose,

bad faith and wanton and reckless conduct in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section
2744.03(A)(6).
439.

As a direct result of the actions and conduct of Defendants, Plaintiffs have

been damaged including extreme emotional distress and loss of companionship of
Emilie.

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COUNT XI
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
[Against All Defendants]
440.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

441.

Defendants either intended to cause emotional distress to Emilie Olsen

and Plaintiffs, or knew or should have known that their actions and omissions would
result in serious emotional distress to Emilie Olsen and Plaintiffs.
442.

Defendants’ actions and omissions in failing to take appropriate action

against the bullies of Emilie, and the actions of Defendant MINOR STUDENTS 1
through

and

including

8,

in

bullying,

harassing,

assaulting/battering,

and

discriminating against Emilie, were extreme and outrageous.
443.

Defendants’ actions and omissions directly and proximately caused

extreme emotional distress and mental/psychological/emotional harm to Emilie Olsen,
Marc and Cindy Olsen, and C.O.
444.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions and omissions,

Emilie Olsen required extensive medical counseling and treatment prior to her death,
and Marc and Cindy Olsen, and C.O., have required extensive medical counseling and
treatment following Emilie’s death due to the loss of their daughter and sister and the
ongoing public scrutiny of her death.
445.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct Plaintiffs have

been damaged.

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COUNT XII
Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
[Against All Defendants]
446.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

447.

Defendants’ actions and omissions in failing to take appropriate action

against the bullies of Emilie, and the actions of MINOR STUDENTS 1 through and
including 8, and other bullies, in bullying, harassing, assaulting/battering, and
discriminating against Emilie, directly, proximately and foreseeably led to Emilie’s
death, and thereby caused mental anguish to Plaintiffs, requiring Marc and Cindy Olsen,
and C.O., to undergo extensive counseling and medical treatment.
448.

Plaintiffs also discovered and observed Emilie’s body on the day of her

death, resulting in shock from the direct emotional impact of this discovery and
observation.
449.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ acts and omissions,

Plaintiffs have been damaged.
COUNT XIII
Violation of R.C. § 2307.44
Hazing / Bullying
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
450.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

451.

Emilie Olsen was subjected to hazing, bullying, intimidation and

harassment as a student in the District during school hours and during school
sanctioned events.

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452.

Defendants had a mandatory duty to create and enforce anti-bullying,

anti-hazing, and anti-harassment standards pursuant to Ohio R.C. § 2307.44, §
3313.666(B), and § 3313.534.
453.

Defendants failed to create and enforce such standards, as described

454.

As a direct result of Defendants’ actions and omissions, Emilie Olsen

above.

suffered mental and physical pain and suffering, and Plaintiffs suffered mental pain and
suffering, and have thus been damaged.
COUNT XIV
Violation of R.C. § 2151.421
Failure to Report Child Abuse
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
455.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

456.

Defendants, acting in an official or professional capacity, knew or had

reasonable cause to suspect that Emilie suffered or faced a threat of suffering a physical
or mental wound, injury, or disability, to wit: that Emilie had been physically
assaulted/battered, bullied, harassed and discriminated against, that she was likely to
physically harm herself and was a risk to commit suicide, among other things.
457.

Pursuant to Ohio R.C. § 2151.421, Defendants had a duty to report that

they knew or had reasonable cause to suspect that Emilie suffered or faced a threat of
suffering a physical or mental wound, injury, or disability.
458.

Defendants breached their duty when they failed to report as required by

Ohio R.C. § 2151.421.

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459.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions and omissions,

Emilie Olsen suffered mental and physical pain and suffering, and Plaintiffs suffered
mental pain and suffering, and have thus been damaged.
COUNT XV
Breach of Express and/or Implied Contract
[Against All Defendants Excluding MINOR STUDENTS 1-8, and John/Jane
Does 1-10]
460. Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.
461.

Plaintiffs Marc and Cindy Olsen enrolled Emilie Olsen as a student in the

Fairfield City School District, and specifically at Fairfield Intermediate School and
Fairfield Middle School.
462.

Plaintiffs formed an agreement with Defendants for Emilie to attend these

schools, and for these schools to educate, supervise and otherwise care for Emilie Olsen.
463.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiffs signed various school documents

and issued certain payments as part of the enrollment process, and/or throughout the
course of the school year, agreeing among other things to Emilie’s attendance.
464.

The agreement was contractual in nature.

465.

As part of the agreement, Plaintiffs paid fees, costs, property taxes, and

other funds to Defendants.
466.

Defendants published policies, protocols and procedures upon which

Emilie relied for supervision, care, and protection.
467.

Emilie fulfilled her obligations under the agreement by attending school,

abiding by Defendants’ policies, protocols and procedures, and by otherwise completing
the work assigned to her.

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468.

Defendants breached and otherwise failed to fulfill their obligations under

the agreement in several ways including without limitation:
(a) failing to protect Emilie from bullying, harassment, assault, battery and
discrimination;
(b) failing to enforce Defendants’ anti-bullying, anti-harassment, and antidiscrimination policies;
(c) failing to adequately train and/or negligently training School District
staff regarding said those policies, and about proper methods of
responding to such events;
(d) failing to properly oversee, supervise, and discipline staff in carrying
out their duties under these policies; and
(e) failing to adopt, and/or implement adequate policies and procedures
regarding
bullying,
harassment,
assault/battery,
sexual
and
racial/national origin discrimination necessary to prevent the
constitutional violations suffered by Emilie Olsen.
469.

Defendants’ breach of the agreement directly and proximately damaged

Emilie and Plaintiffs as alleged.
COUNT XVI
Assault and Battery
[Against MINOR STUDENTS 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and John/Jane Does 1-10]
470.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

471.

BULLIES 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and John/Jane Does 1-10, assaulted Emilie by

willfully threatening or attempting to harm or touch Emilie Olsen offensively, which
threat or attempt reasonably placed Emilie in fear of such contact.
472.

BULLIES 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and John/Jane Does 1-10, battered Emilie by

intentionally causing unconsented harmful or offensive contact with Emilie, to wit:

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slapping her in the face, shoving her into lockers, slapping books out of her hands,
tripping her, and knocking into her purposefully, among other incidents.
473.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions, Emilie Olsen

suffered mental and physical pain and suffering and ultimately committed suicide, and
Plaintiffs have been damaged including mental and emotional pain and suffering.
COUNT XVII
Defamation / Defamation Per Se / Defamation Per Quod
[Against MINOR STUDENTS 2 and 8 and John/Jane Does 1-10]
474.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

475.

MINOR STUDENT 2, her friends, and JOHN/JANE DOES 1-10 created a

fake Instagram account entitled “Emilie Olsen is Gay,” which included the statement:
“I’m Emilie I’m Gay and I love to Fuck random people in the woods and I love to chew
tobacco and if U wanna Fuck just meet somewhere in the woods.”
476.

These Defendants thereby published these statements on the Internet and

upon information and belief, showed them to others and invited others to view them.
477.

JOHN/JANE DOES 1-10 also published vile and derogatory messages

about Emilie Olsen on the walls of the bathrooms in the Fairfield schools, including
without limitation the messages “Emilie is a ho,” and “Emilie is a whore.”
478.

In approximately November 2014, a Facebook account or profile was

created about Emilie and/or was used to bully and harass Emilie.
479.

Upon information and belief, the account was created by and/or registered

to MINOR STUDENT 8.

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480. On or about November 30, 2104, MINOR STUDENT 8 bullied, sexually
harassed, and made racially discriminatory remarks against Emilie using the Facebook
account.
481.

MINOR STUDENT 8 published/sent Facebook messages to Emilie such as

“come suck me off,” “nobody wants to be your fucking friend,” “dumb bitch why you try
and be friends with me,” “you never had a dick in your life shit,” “shut that ugly ass up
bitch. All you need right now is a dick in your mouth,” “I’ll bend you over,” “nobody
wants to touch your Ebola looking ass. Go back to Africa,” “you’re stupider than I
thought,” “mud shark,” “you’re ugly,” “your pictures look so gay…get the fuck out of here
you sad ass bitch,” “you get no dick,” “fuck you fat ass bitch,” and “where the fuck y’all
rednecks live anyways, you’re too ugly to die.”
482.

MINOR STUDENT 8 also suggested that people should have sex with

Emilie as a form of exercise, saying “hey ride this [referring to Emilie] you will lose
weight.”
483.

The Facebook account or profile also made derogatory references to

Emilie’s perceived sexual orientation and sexual practices, including but not limited to,
the status of Emilie’s relationships with other FMS students.
484.

Emilie was bullied and harassed by other Fairfield students when she

became the target of the Facebook account or profile.
485.

All of the foregoing statements published by Defendants were false in that

Emilie Olsen was not gay and was not sexually active or promiscuous.
486.

Defendants were negligent in publishing these statements and/or knew

these statements were false and/or acted with reckless disregard for their truth or
falsity.

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487.

These statements also constituted defamation per se in that they were

defamatory on their face.
488. These statements also constituted defamation per quod in that they were
defamatory through interpretation or innuendo.
489.

These statements directly and proximately harmed Emilie’s reputation,

subjected her to scorn, ridicule, shame, contempt, and embarrassment, and engendered
additional bullying and physical and verbal abuse against her.
490. As a direct and proximate result of the bullying she suffered during her
seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School, Emilie began to “cut” herself again or
otherwise self-harm, suffer depression, and express self-hatred and suicidal thoughts
and impulses.
491.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions, Emilie Olsen and

Plaintiffs suffered mental and emotional pain and suffering, requiring medical
counseling and treatment, and Emilie Olsen ultimately committed suicide.
492.

In committing this intentional tort of defamation, Defendants acted with

actual malice and/or conscious disregard of Plaintiffs’ rights, thus entitling Plaintiffs to
punitive damages.
COUNT XVIII
Loss of Consortium
[Against All Defendants]
493.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

494.

Defendants negligently and intentionally caused injury to Emilie Olsen.

495.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions and omissions,

Plaintiffs Marc and Cindy Olsen and C.O. have suffered a loss of consortium including

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loss of services, society, companionship, care, assistance, attention, affection, and
assistance, and are thereby entitled to damages.
COUNT XIX
Trespass
[Against Defendants, School Board and Lincoln Butts]
496.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

497.

On or about December 16, 2014, Defendant Lincoln Butts, with the full

knowledge and consent of the School Board, entered onto the property of Marc and
Cindy Olsen unannounced, intentionally and without authorization, accompanied by
two Fairfield Township police officers.
498.

Marc and Cindy Olsen are the owners of said property and home.

499.

Butts used the police officers as a show of force to gain entry to the Olsens’

property and home, and to intimidate the Olsens. Butts and the officers gained entry to
Marc Olsens’ home without authorization and through the show of force, to wit: guns,
badges, and their status as law enforcement officers.
500. Upon information and belief, the officers were taking their instructions
from Butts and/or agreed with Butts to trespass on the Olsens’ property and intimidate
the Olsens.
501.

Once inside the home, Butts threatened and attempted to intimidate Marc

and Cindy Olsen.
502.

Butts and the officers refused to leave the Olsens’ property despite

multiple demands from Marc Olsen that they leave immediately.
503.

The conduct of Butts and the officers constitutes trespass.

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504.

As a direct and proximate result of Butts’ conduct and the conduct of the

officers under his direction, Marc and Cindy Olsen have been damaged, including by
interfering with the Olsens’ right of ownership and possession of the premises, and by
intentionally causing the Olsens emotional distress and mental anguish.
COUNT XX
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
[Against Defendant Lincoln Butts]
505.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

506.

Through his conduct and the conduct of the officers under his direction,

Defendant Butts intended to cause emotional distress to the Olsens.
507.

The aforementioned conduct was extreme and outrageous especially given

Emilie’s recent death.
508. As a direct and proximate result of this conduct, Marc and Cindy Olsen
have suffered emotional distress requiring extensive medical counseling and treatment.
COUNT XXI
Request for Declaratory Judgment
509.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

510.

A real and justiciable controversy exists, as pleaded herein.

511.

Plaintiffs are entitled to a declaration as to the rights of the parties that

will terminate uncertainty and put an end to the controversy.
512.

Plaintiffs have a legal interest in the controversy.

513.

Pursuant to the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201 and 2202,

and Ohio’s Declaratory Judgment Act, R.C. 2721.01, et seq., Plaintiffs request an order

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declaring that the acts and conduct of all Defendants constitute violations of Plaintiffs’
constitutional, statutory and common-law rights.
514.

Plaintiffs further request a monetary judgment against Defendants, as well

as attorneys’ fees, costs and interest.
COUNT XXII
Request for Injunctive Relief
515.

Plaintiffs reassert the foregoing as if fully rewritten herein.

516.

Plaintiffs have suffered irreparable injury including without limitation the

loss of their daughter and consequent mental and emotional injury.
517.

The remedies available at law, such as monetary damages, are inadequate

to compensate for those injuries.
518.

Given the balance of hardship between Plaintiffs and Defendants, a

remedy in equity is warranted.
519.

The public interest would not be disserved by a permanent injunction, and

in fact, the public interest would be greatly furthered by the permanent injunction
sought herein.
520.

Plaintiffs therefore request a permanent injunction ordering Defendants to

stop engaging in unconstitutional and unlawful acts, and to develop policies and
procedures for ending any such unconstitutional and unlawful acts and the hostile and
intolerant environment, including but not limited to the following:
a.
Require Defendants to implement mandatory and effective training
programs for District faculty, staff, and students on issues relating to
bullying, harassment, sexual discrimination, and race/national origin
discrimination, and methods to intervene to stop students from bullying or
harassing other students for any reason but particularly based on their sex,
race, or national origin;

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b.
Require Defendants to adopt policies with specific guidelines for
instructing teachers, security guards, bus drivers, hall monitors and
administrators about how to address complaints by students who have
been bullied, harassed, or discriminated against for any reason but
particularly based on their sex, race, or national origin;
c.
Require Defendants to adopt policies implementing increased and
enhanced supervision of staff enforcement of anti-bullying, antiharassment, and anti-discrimination policies, including without limitation
semi-annual reviews of all staff regarding compliance with said policies,
and revised job descriptions of the principal and assistant principal in each
school within the District reflecting that said officials are responsible for
supervising staff members compliance with said policies.
d.
Require Defendants to adopt and/or revise their policies to
mandate
that
notice
of
all
harassment,
bullying,
and
sexual/racial/national origin discrimination complaints is promptly
provided to the building principal and the parents of the student-victims
and student-perpetrators;
e.
Require the Superintendent and the School Board to review all
complaints of bullying, harassment, and sexual/racial/national origin
discrimination, as well as any investigations, disciplinary measures, and
other school responses thereto.
f.
Require Defendants to adopt and/or revise policies to ensure that
complaints of online bullying, harassment, or discrimination (“cyberbullying”), occurring both on and off school grounds and both during and
after school hours, are promptly and properly investigated, and are
reported to the parents of student-victims and student-perpetrators, and
that effective measures are taken to ensure that the cyber-bullying ceases
and/or that cyber-bullying is adequately punished.
g.
Require Defendants to adopt policies requiring the District to offer
professional counseling and other forms of mental, emotional, and social
support to all students who have reportedly been bullied, harassed, or
discriminated against.
h.
Require Defendants to conduct assemblies for all students in the
School District addressing issues of bullying, harassment, discrimination
and tolerance, wherein students are instructed about laws, regulations,
and policies prohibiting bullying, harassment and discrimination, and
about the effects of harassment, bullying, and discrimination on victims,
and regarding the support available to victims.
i.
Require Defendants to assign a peer mediator and/or other staff
member to District schools to provide active monitoring for the schools

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and to address instances of bullying, harassment and discrimination that
arise at the schools;
j.
Require Defendants to maintain files on students who have been
accused of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and to institute a
tracking system for bullying, harassment, and sexual/racial/national
origin discrimination incidents.
k.
Require Defendants to maintain statistical data concerning each
complaint of bullying, harassment, or sexual/racial/national origin
discrimination reported to Defendants, as well as the specific action
district principals, assistant principals, teachers, security guards, bus
drivers, and administrators took to resolve the complaint;
l.
Require Defendants to provide in writing to all parents of Fairfield
students: the above-referenced statistical data; the District’s policies
regarding bullying, harassment, and discrimination; the District’s training
programs for staff regarding these subjects; and the resources available to
students who have been bullied, harassed or discriminated against.
m.
Require Defendants to develop peer support programs to
counteract bullying, harassment and discrimination, and promote peer
respect, kindness, values, compassion, and goodwill.
n.

For all other injunctive relief that the Court deems appropriate.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request judgment in their favor and pray for relief
against Defendants as follows:
1. For an order granting Plaintiffs compensatory, punitive, treble, incidental,
exemplary and other damages, in amounts determined by the finder of fact;
2. For an order granting the declaratory relief sought herein;
3. For an order granting the injunctive relief sought herein;
4. For an order granting Plaintiffs their expenses and costs, including reasonable
attorneys' fees;
5. For an order granting Plaintiffs pre-judgment and post-judgment interest;
and

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6. For an order granting Plaintiffs all other and further relief to which they are
entitled at law or in equity.
Respectfully submitted,
RENDIGS, FRY, KIELY & DENNIS, LLP
/s/ Peter L. Ney
Peter L. Ney (0039284)
Michael J. Chapman (0076057)
Ryan J. Dwyer (0091761)
600 Vine Street, Suite 2650
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
PH: 513 381 9200
FX: 513 381 9206
EM: pney@rendigs.com
EM: mchapman@rendigs.com
EM: rdwyer@rendigs.com
Trial Attorneys for Plaintiffs

82