Teacher who sued Iowa school district for students’ ‘racist’ acts wins $425,000

By: Clark Kauffman

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: October 2, 2026

Words: 739

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 1 day ago

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A school teacher who alleged the Ottumwa public schools encouraged students’ racist behavior by failing to impose sufficient discipline has won a $425,000 judgment against the district.

In June 2023, Robert Bender sued the Ottumwa Community School District in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, seeking damages related to alleged harassment, discrimination, retaliation and violations of the federal Civil Rights Act. Also named as defendants were Jerry Miller, a school principal, …

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