SPOKANE, Wash – The attorney representing two boys and their families in the Mead High School football hazing case expressed pride in the teens’ willingness to testify, saying he hopes the jury’s verdict in the case brings about meaningful change.
Marcus Sweetser represented two former Mead football players who sued the district for its lack of response to hazing at summer football camps in consecutive years.
The jury awarded a combined $17 million to the boys and their parents.
“The families of these two young men who endured horrific hazing at Mead High School are deeply moved by the jury’s unanimous verdict,” Sweetser said in a statement provided to 4 News Now. “A jury’s impact is not merely financial. It is profoundly moving on an emotional and psychological level to be heard, to be seen, and to have accountability for the harm and injustice suffered.”
“For these young men to take the stand and speak their truth, having to relive painful events in a public courtroom, is a powerful testament to their bravery and resilience,” Sweetser continued. “We thank the jury for their dedicated service, careful attention to the evidence, and recognition of the harm that was done. We hope the verdict leads to meaningful change within the Mead School District.”
In a statement after the verdict, the Mead School District committed to learning from the events.
“We are deeply mindful that two former students and their families have been harmed, and that acknowledgement will always come before anything else we might say,” the district said. “This matter has had a significant impact on those involved, their families and our school community. We remain committed to the ongoing process of improving as a result of what we’ve learned from these events. Our primary focus is to ensure that every student in our district is safe, supported and protected.”
Two other families previously settled with the school district for the hazing incident.
This is not the end of the legal battle in this case.
The families of one of the two victims served by the most recent verdict have also filed a lawsuit in federal court.
In that case, they also name as defendants several of the boys accused of carrying out the hazing and Eastern Washington University where the football camp was held.
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