The Kentucky Supreme Court has heard arguments in a case delving into whether teachers and school administrators can be found negligent for the suicide of a bullied student.
The case stems from the 2007 suicide of Stephen Patton, a middle school student in Floyd County. His mother sued teachers and administrators, claiming they were negligent by failing to stop the bullying.
In arguments Wednesday, an attorney for Patton's family said the boy was bullied in front of teachers. The attorney, Vanessa Cantley, said school officials failed to follow the school district's anti-bullying policy.
Neal Smith, representing some of the defendants, says no one knows why the youngster killed himself. He says Patton never complained of bullying to school officials.
Patton's family is appealing after losing in circuit court and the state Court of Appeals.
