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Mom Of Teacher Who Committed Suicide Claims Daughter Was Bullied By School Administrators

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The mother of a teacher who killed herself after reportedly being bullied by La Puente high school administrators filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday against the Bassett Unified School District.

The suit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by Linda Lenihan-Jaramillo, the mother of 39-year-old Jennifer Lenihan, who taught art at Bassett High School.

Lenihan committed suicide July 1, 2013 "after enduring bullying, abuse and negligent conduct by employees, personnel and administrators at Bassett High School and the BUSD," according to the complaint.

The complaint accuses Bassett High's principal, Robert Reyes, and assistant principal, Jimmy Lima, of being involved with the bullying.

The suit states that Lenihan was scolded in front of her students and other teachers and was forced to teach a class she was not qualified to instruct.

Previous complaints by Lenihan to administration resulted in findings that the state Education Code was not violated, according to the suit.

A school district representative could not be reached for comment.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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