Ohio family settles case with Christian teacher accused of branding crosses in students’ arms
By APWednesday, July 28, 2010
Christian teacher settles Ohio arm-branding case
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio family has settled a lawsuit against a middle school teacher who was accused of burning the image of crosses on students’ arms.
The family of Zachary Dennis and attorneys for teacher John Freshwater’s insurance carrier did not release details of agreement, which averts a trial scheduled to begin Monday in Columbus. U.S. District Judge Gregory Frost still must approve the pact.
The Mount Vernon school board voted to fire Freshwater in 2008, and he remains on unpaid administrative leave pending an appeal. The board settled a separate lawsuit with the Dennis family, agreeing to pay them $5,502 and their attorneys $115,500.
Family attorney Doug Mansfield said Wednesday the lawsuits were about correcting a wrong, not money.
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, www.dispatch.com
