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Dismissal of former student's suit over sex with Utah teacher upheld in seemingly 'counterintuitive' ruling

The Utah Court of Appeals has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit that accused Davis County School District of negligence in hiring and retaining teacher Brianne Altice, who is serving up to 30 years in prison for having illegal sexual contact with three minor students.

A three-judge panel handed down a unanimous decision on Nov. 30 agreeing with 2nd District Judge John Morris that the school district is immune from suit under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.

The suit, filed in March 2015 by one of the students and his parents, had sought at least $600,000 for medical expenses and severe emotional distress stemming from sexual abuse by Altice.