Griffith Public Schools sued over alleged bullying

GRIFFITH | A lawsuit has been filed against another local school system over the alleged bullying of a student.

Attorney Walter J. Alvarez, of Crown Point, filed the complaint on Tuesday against Griffith Public Schools and a number of school officials in Lake Superior Court on behalf of Marissa Simmons, 15, and her mother, Jennifer Simmons, both of Griffith.

The complaint states that the alleged bullying occurred on March 10, 2010 when Simmons "was attacked and physically assaulted, harassed and threatened with physical violence by three anonymous minor juvenile bullies that had routinely made threats to (Simmons) on ‘Myspace,' at school and at other times and venues prior to the incident in question."

Simmons "demands trial by jury," according to documents filed in court.

The complaint names as defendants Griffith Public Schools, including Griffith Middle School and Ready Elementary School; Superintendent Peter Morikis; Aron Borowiak, who was Ready Elementary principal at the time of the alleged attack and is now director of curriculum and instruction; Richard C. Anderson, president of the Griffith Board of School Trustees; Mary Ann Lopez, dean of students; and Jaime Thomas, a counselor.

Morikis could not be reached for comment.

Alvarez states in the complaint that the alleged bullying caused Simmons "severe and permanent mental and physical injuries."

The document also says Simmons was "forced to transfer" to another school "due to the lack of supervision and lack of actions of all the defendants in question."

Simmons is now enrolled at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond.