25 Trial Lawyer • Summer 2022 They erroneously point to things like “detention” and “expulsion” as possible outcomes if they were to impose “discipline” the way my clients apparently suggested. School districts are employers. Just like Macy’s and Waffle House, they have a duty at all times to make sure their employees are not injured on the job. The mode of injury, in this case, students, may alter the parameters of their response a bit, but does not alleviate their duty to step in when they are aware of a high potential of recurring violence. Educators are not punching bags. The job description does not read “must be willing to put up with violent behaviors upon your person including spitting, biting, scratching, kicking, punching, touching and exposure of genitalia, and occasional dodging of thrown feces.” Educators are employees who barely make a living wage, but work in the field they do because they have a passion to help children. They deserve respect, and above all, a safe workplace. Where are they now? About half of my clients have left education. Moore was transferred to Ainsworth Elementary where, faced with unbelievable acts of racism from parents and students alike and (surprise) no support from PPS, she was forced to leave the district. Demma has remained at PPS, working in a low-needs special education classroom in a high school setting. Some have gone on to the healthcare industry, some retired, and some moved out of state. But the result is the same — it is the students who end up losing. Rebecca Cambreleng is a partner at Crispin Hannon Marton Cambreleng, LLC and specializes in employment law and victim rights. Her office is located at 1834 SW 58th Ave., Ste. 200, Portland, OR 97221. She can be reached at 503-293-5770 or rebecca@employmentlaw-nw.com.
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