Cincinnati Public Schools Reach $3M Settlement with Family of Gabriel Taye

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Wrongful Death Lawsuit Agreement Ensures that Gabriel Taye’s Tragic Death Will Create Anti-Bullying Reform Throughout City Schools

Background

Gabe Taye was eight years old when he took his own life following relentless bullying by his peers at Carson Elementary School over the course of three years. Cincinnati Public Schools employees, including a school nurse, did not help Gabe nor tell his parents about these events, one of which left him unconscious for seven minutes and was captured on video. The school did not call 911 and reported to his parents that Gabe had simply fainted. This event occurred just two days before Gabe hung himself on January 26, 2017.

Approach & Resolution

Attorney Al Gerhardstein served as the lead attorney for the 2017 federal lawsuit originally filed by Jennifer Branch on behalf of the family, alleging that the defendants were responsible for the wrongful death of Gabe Taye because they failed to follow several school protocols to protect the child. U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black refused CPS's motion to dismiss, and that decision was affirmed on appeal.

The lawsuit was recently settled out of court. CPS is to pay 3 million dollars to the Taye family. The settlement also includes non-economic terms aimed at anti-bullying reform. CPS will track repeat perpetrators, repeat victims, and repeat locations to identify bullying even in the absence of a complaint. Intervention will include restorative justice and all staff and nurses will be trained annually. CPA and co-counsel will monitor compliance for the next two years. A memorial will be erected in Gabe’s honor at Carson Elementary School. CPS does not admit liability in the settlement. Co-counsel were Carla Loon Leader and Michele Young, both of Cincinnati. Mother Cornelia Reynolds has established a foundation to promote anti-bullying programs. Find out more information about the program at gabrielbtayefoundation.org.

 
 
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