A former principal in Kentucky is facing a lawsuit after allegedly threatening two second-grade students with a fake gun. Duan Wright, the former principal of Hartstern Elementary School in Louisville, is accused of showing the toy gun to two boys in September 2019, making a threatening statement, and causing emotional distress to the children. The lawsuit was filed by one of the students’ parents and includes the superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools, Dr. Marty Pollio, and assistant superintendent Paige Hartstern.
The incident occurred after the two boys were removed from class for misbehaving. Wright allegedly slammed a toy gun onto his desk and warned the children that if they didn’t improve their behavior, he would “feed them to the wolves.” Although Wright later claimed the gun was a toy, the school district’s policy treats any weapon, real or look-alike, used to intimidate or threaten as equivalent to a real weapon. The boys reportedly believed the threat was genuine, leading to emotional distress, including crying, and a change in behavior at home. One of the children began exhibiting symptoms such as bedwetting, stomach aches, headaches, and emotional outbursts, which were not typical for him.
After the incident, the boys reported the threat to other teachers, and Child Protective Services (CPS) conducted separate interviews with them. One child also claimed that Wright had previously spanked him, and both children provided consistent and detailed accounts of the events. Despite their statements, the district deemed the allegations unsubstantiated and inconclusive. No disciplinary action was taken against Wright at that time. However, in January 2020, Wright allegedly admitted to showing the boys the toy gun and continued to harass one of the children afterward.
Wright was not immediately terminated but instead suspended for two months and required to undergo ethics training and probation. This was not the first time Wright had faced allegations of misconduct. In 2022, he was sued by another parent for allegedly physically abusing a child. Though Wright was removed from his position as principal, he was transferred to a different role within the school district, maintaining a leadership position. The mother of the boy involved in the gun incident worked in the same building where Wright was transferred, and she felt deeply uncomfortable and fearful in his presence. Eventually, she resigned from her position due to the ongoing distress caused by Wright’s actions.
The lawsuit accuses Wright of negligence, outrage, false imprisonment, and assault. It also claims that the school district failed to take appropriate action to reprimand Wright, allowing him to remain in a position of authority over students. The plaintiffs are seeking both punitive and compensatory damages. The case highlights concerns about the handling of misconduct within the school system and the emotional toll such incidents can have on young students.
