News Summary
The family of Gabriel Palacios, a 13-year-old student who took his life, has filed a complaint against the Coronado Unified School District. They allege that the school failed to protect him from relentless bullying due to his neurodivergent conditions. The case has sparked calls for significant changes in school policies regarding bullying, with a focus on ensuring the safety of all students. The tragic incident highlights the urgent need to address bullying in schools, particularly for those with unique challenges.
Coronado, California – The family of Gabriel Palacios, a 13-year-old seventh-grade student who tragically committed suicide in April, has filed a complaint against the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD). The complaint is spearheaded by civil rights attorney John Gomez, who represents the family in their claim that the school district failed to protect Gabriel from persistent bullying both online and in-person due to his neurodivergent conditions, including Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, and OCD.
Gabriel’s bullying experiences allegedly intensified following an incident in February where he inadvertently sent a private photo to his Snapchat followers, only to delete it shortly after. Despite his actions, a follower claimed to have saved the image, which became a source of further bullying at school as students discussed the incident. It is claimed that after the Snapchat incident, Gabriel felt greatly isolated and targeted, as nearly everyone at the school seemed aware, leading to exacerbated bullying.
On April 6, while his parents were away, Gabriel felt unwell and left school early. His body was later discovered by his sister and a family friend that same night. The Palacios family believes CUSD did not take adequate measures to address the harassment Gabriel faced, despite multiple complaints lodged and insufficient investigations concerning both the bullying and the distribution of the private image.
The situation was further complicated by Gabriel facing additional disciplinary issues, including a wrongful accusation relating to a wine opener he had at a school dance, which resulted in a two-day suspension. This incident was perceived by Gabriel as part of a pattern of being targeted by school administration. He had expressed to family members concerns about the school leadership, particularly stating that Vice Principal Barto was “out to get him” and that bullying continued unabated.
Involving school officials, Orsolya Palacios, Gabriel’s mother, had previously met with Vice Principal Barto to address concerns over the Snapchat incident, suspecting that students had shared the image during school hours. After a brief inquiry wherein a student denied involvement, nothing further was done to investigate those involved in the dissemination of the private image, leading to Gabriel’s distress. Attorney John Gomez asserts that CUSD’s administration not only failed to act on complaints surrounding bullying but also wrongfully accused Gabriel of misconduct multiple times, creating an atmosphere that heightened his anxiety about attending school.
Mercedes Smith, president of the CMS Parent Teacher Organization, acknowledged that parents play a crucial role in teaching children about bullying but also emphasized the school’s failure in protecting Gabriel. Meanwhile, representatives from the school district confirmed they were aware of the legal situation but refrained from making comments, expressing their commitment to transparency following the legal process.
Gomez’s lawsuit seeks damages and aims to instigate significant changes in school policies regarding bullying, with the overarching goal of preventing future tragedies. The Palacios family is devastated by the loss of their son and is advocating for the end of bullying in schools. If the complaint is denied, they are prepared to escalate the matter by pursuing formal legal action against CUSD.
The tragic outcome of Gabriel’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of addressing bullying in schools, especially for students with neurodivergent conditions. The family’s advocacy may pave the way for improved measures to ensure the safety and mental well-being of all students.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8: Family Lawsuit Against Coronado Unified School District
- NBC San Diego: Family Files Claim Against Coronado Unified School District
- Coronado Times: Suspension Rates Up for Coronado Middle School
- Wikipedia: Bullying
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bullying
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
