Wisconsin Mother Sues School District After Son Contracts COVID-19 From Unmasked Classmate

A Wisconsin parent filed a lawsuit against the Waukesha School District and School Board, claiming that her son contracted COVID-19 from an unmasked classmate. 

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Shannon Jensen filed the lawsuit on October 5. Jensen is asking for an injunction to order the district to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus guidelines.

According to the suit, the school board lifted a mask requirement in May. Other COVID-19 mitigation measures that had been in place were also discontinued. 

In September, Jensen’s son was seated next to an unmasked classmate who was exhibiting symptoms. Her son contracted COVID-19 from the classmate, despite wearing a mask. Her other two sons subsequently tested positive. 

Jensen filed the lawsuit with the help of the Minocqua Brewing Company Super PAC, which is owned by Kirk Bangstad. Bangstad has been vocal about his frustrations with the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic, according to the outlet.

School district superintendent James Sebert declined to comment on the lawsuit per the advice of counsel.