Family files lawsuit against Coronado school district after death

Coronado Middle School Photo courtesy Coronado Unified School District The family of a seventh grader at Coronado Middle School who died by suicide earlier this year has filed a lawsuit against the Coronado Unified School District alleging district authorities failed to take action or encouragement the teen while he faced rampant bullying from other students Gabriel Palacios died a minimal months after he inadvertently shared a video over social media that included nude images of himself according to the lawsuit filed last week in San Diego Superior Court Though he rapidly deleted the video which attorneys say he recorded because he was curious about a biological issue he was experiencing one learner had saved it and threatened to spread it the complaint announced Gabriel s family says he already faced bullying because he was neurodivergent but it ramped up following the video case Everyone at school seemed to know about the Snapchat situation and sought to discuss it mock Gabriel about it and use it as ammunition for harassment the complaint noted The complaint added that the school s vice principal questioned students who allegedly possessed and distributed the video but after the students denied any involvement the district took no further action No meaningful attempts were taken by CUSD to stop the harassment confiscate electronic devices conduct thorough interviews or otherwise address the serious matter of child pornography distribution among students the complaint announced The family alleges that not only did the bullying against Gabriel increase but that school administrators disciplined him for an allegedly unfounded claim of bringing a weapon to school which only deepened his emotional struggles The lawsuit also says the school was aware that Gabriel s emotional state was declining yet little to nothing was done During the time period shortly before his death Gabriel s parents made multiple complaints to school representatives about the bullying and he was eating lunch in the counselor s office on a daily basis to escape the harassment according to the suit Gabriel died in April Gabriel s death was entirely preventable noted attorney John Gomez who is representing the Palacios family He was a neurodivergent child who needed care protection and understanding and instead he was left to face cruelty and humiliation alone The Coronado Unified School District had countless opportunities to intervene and chose not to That failure cost Gabriel his life After the family released last month that it was filing a claim against the district Coronado Unified authorities noted they were aware of the pending litigation but could not publicly comment on it We trusted that Gabriel s school would take care of him and ensure his safety commented Orsolya Palacios Gabriel s mother He was different and sometimes that made him a target but he was kind bright and full of love When the bullying worsened after the video spread we solicited for help and the school did nothing Our son deserved better