A California school district has been ordered to pay $1.25 million (£994,000) to a former student who was forced to urinate in a bucket after being denied a toilet break. The incident occurred in 2012 when the student was 14 years old and attending Patrick Henry High School in San Diego.
The student sued the San Diego Unified School District and teacher Gonja Wolf after she was denied permission to use the bathroom during a 25-minute advisory class. The teacher, believing there was a strict no-toilet break policy, directed the student to use a supply room closet where she could urinate in a bucket and empty it in a sink.
The jury awarded the student $1.25 million in damages and an additional $41,000 to cover medical expenses. The student's attorney, Brian Watkins, said the incident led to lewd texts, depression, and a suicide attempt. The student was forced to transfer schools twice due to bullying and continues to receive therapy for post-traumatic stress.
The school district had initially denied the student's $25,000 claim. District attorney Katheryn Martin described the teacher's actions as a 'lapse of judgment' and said she mistakenly thought the bucket solution was a good idea. The teacher was placed on paid administrative leave and did not return to campus after the incident.
The school has since apologised to the student and her mother and clarified to teachers that bathroom trips are permitted. However, the district expressed disappointment with the verdict and is considering an appeal.
