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Keokuk Schools Face Lawsuit Over Shower Incident

Keokuk School District

The Keokuk School District is being accused of assault and false imprisonment by one of its students.

A lawsuit filed last month in district court claims that district employees forced a middle school student to disrobe and shower against his will.

The student is identified as John Doe Juvenile.

The lawsuit says the student was not given the option to go home and shower and that his parents were not contacted for permission.

It also says district employees did not keep their actions confidential, allowing other students to become aware of the incident in mid-February.

As a result of the incident, the district is being accused of negligence and infliction of emotional distress, along with assault and false imprisonment.

The family is seeking damages related to mental anguish, medical bills, counseling services and pain and suffering.

It also sought punitive damages, but District Court Judge John Wright tossed that portion of the request this week, saying school districts are not subject to punitive damages.

Superintendent Tim Hood said in a brief statement Tuesday afternoon that "the (school) Board and the District do not comment on ongoing litigation."

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.