Special Ed teacher sues Salem-Keizer Public Schools over claims of student violence

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A special education teacher is suing Salem-Keizer Public Schools over claims of disturbing violence in the classroom.

In September 2023, Lauren Eriksen started her position as an instructional aide for special education students at West Salem High School. But according to a lawsuit she filed against the district and the school’s administration, she was quickly put in an unsafe classroom.

Since she started, Eriksen claims to have had several injuries from a few students — including several concussions and a bite so intense a chunk of her flesh was torn off and left a scar 10 months later.

The lawsuit also claims Eriksen had urine-soaked clothes thrown at her and recounts a student attacking her as well as another educator, lifting them up with their bodies flying into the air.

According to the suit, the district knew of these incidents and “failed to act,” adding that they also “created circumstances that exacerbated or worsened the danger.”

The suit outlined when Oregon OSHA conducted a consultation for SKPS due to high violence in the fall of 2023, ultimately recommending more qualified staff in the classrooms after seeing what is called a “pattern of violence.”

“The safety problems in the district are chronic, and the need for change is long overdue,” Maria Witt, her attorney, said. “Miss Erickson hopes her case creates a safer working and learning environment for both staff and students.”

Eriksen is seeking financial compensation as well as a court order that would require the school district and Salem West High School “to comply with OSHA’s recommendations to create and maintain a safe working environment for staff and students."

A spokesperson with SKPS said the district cannot comment on the lawsuit, but shared the following statement:

What I can say is that we are always concerned about the safety of our students and our staff. We want the best for our students and the adults who serve them and that is why we are constantly evolving our safety systems and training programs for staff.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.