Was the $10M jury award to teacher Abby Zwerner fair, given the school’s alleged inaction?
Abby Zwerner Awarded $10M After Being Shot by Student: Sparks Debate on School Liability
Abby Zwerner, a former first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, was awarded $10 million by a jury on November 6, 2025, after being shot by a six-year-old student in her classroom in January 2023. Zwerner suffered life-altering injuries when a bullet passed through her hand and lodged in her chest. She later sued the school assistant principal, Ebony Parker, claiming Parker ignored multiple warnings that the student had a gun. The case sparked national debate over school safety, accountability, and how schools respond to potential threats from even the youngest students. Zwerner originally sought $40 million in damages but accepted the jury’s $10 million award. Critics argue the amount reflects the severity of her trauma and the administration’s failure, while others believe broader systemic issues need addressing.
Options
- Yes — it reflects the severity of the school’s negligence
- No — she deserved more than $10 million
- No — the school wasn’t solely responsible
- Not sure