CINCINNATI -- The Ohio Department of Education is investigating the case of Emilie Olsen, a 13-year-old Fairfield Middle School student who committed suicide in 2014.
State officials would not disclose why they were investigating Olsen’s case or when the investigation began. Spokeswoman Kim Norris would only say state officials were “made aware of the situation” and are “already in the process of reviewing the matter.”
“We cannot provide anything further at this time,” Norris said.
The state’s Office of Professional Conduct is involved in the review process. The Office of Professional Conduct investigates "allegations involving criminal convictions or conduct unbecoming the teaching profession," according to the state’s website.
If the office decides there was misconduct involving a teacher or school official, that educator could lose his or her license and employment.
Olsen's parents filed a federal lawsuit in December of last year that accuses nine Fairfield City Schools officials, the school district and the school board of knowing the 13-year-old was bullied at school and did not act to stop it before she committed suicide in December of 2014.
In their multi-count claim against the Fairfield City School District, the Olsens allege a failure at every level -- from teachers to guidance counselors, assistant principals, principals and the district superintendent -- to provide a safe learning environment for their daughter.
Specifically, they allege:
- violations of Emilie's right to due process by failing to address the bullying
- discrimination on the basis of national origin
- discrimination on the basis of her gender
- violations of their obligation to respond to bullying, harassment and assault/battery
- negligence and gross negligence
- wrongful death
- And much more
Former Fairfield City Schools superintendent Paul Otten, who is among the defendants named in the complaint, left his position in April to become the superintendent of the nearby Beavercreek City School District.
Fairfield Middle School Principal Lincoln Butts resigned in May for "personal reasons" amid accusations he intimidated Olsen's parentsafter her death.
Olsen's parents claimed Butts showed up at their home, unannounced and accompanied by two police officers five days after their daughter's suicide. The parents claim Butts and police demanded that Olsen's father let them into his home but refused to say why they were there. One officer flashed his badge, the parents claimed.
Emilie Olsen's yearbook photo
READ the lawsuit here
Four days after Olsen's suicide, Fairfield City School District administrators were confident enough to release this statement to parents and students:
“There have been many rumors and misinformation about bullying with regard to this tragedy. The district has never had an indication – by self-report, or reports from others – that bullying has ever occurred.”
But WCPO's I-Team found emails, school reports, a social media accountand more that showed the exact opposite was true.
Since then, more parents have come forward claiming their child was being bullied while under the school district’s supervision.
Bullying and Suicide Resources
The Family Violence Prevention Project
Greater Cincinnati Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
Cincinnati Children's Anti-Bullying Curriculum
The Girls Guide to End Bullying
StopBullying.gov - Ohio anti-bullying laws & policies
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Cincinnati Children's 'Surviving the Teens' Suicide Prevention program
