$25K Awarded to Harassed Student

A Minneapolis school board awarded a student $25,000 after an onslaught of homophobic slurs and verbal harassment by two teachers, reports the Star-Tribune.

The high school junior was verbally teased and taunted at various times, especially in class. Social studies teacher Diane Cleveland allegedly embarrassed the teen with multiple remarks, including that he had a “thing for older men," while law enforcement teacher Walter Filson, who also make sport of the student multiple times, suggested that he probably "enjoys wearing women's clothes."

Both teachers have received performance awards from the school board in the past.

Cleveland was given a two-day unpaid suspension for her part in the affair, but Filson has yet to be punished. They will both remain employed by the school, though both have past reports on file that allege misconduct.

In light of the complaints, sexual orientation awareness and sensitivity curriculum was handed out to teachers and students in February.

About 90% of LGBT students have experienced harassment in schools, and more than 50% of the students reported feeling unsafe, according to the National School Climate Survey released in 2007.