Detroit Teachers Sue District Over 'Deplorable' Conditions

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Detroit teachers' union has filed a lawsuit against the district calling for repairing "deplorable" conditions and removing the state-appointed emergency manager.

The Detroit Federation of Teachers' suit filed Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court seeks "an appropriately funded capital plan" to fix districtwide problems. It calls for removing Emergency Manager Darnell Earley and returning to local control.

"Darnell Earley has to leave. That's what we are after - that's what we are asking for - if we have to challenge the whole EM statute to do that - than that's what we'll do," said DFT attorney Bob Fetter.

Citing black mold, bacteria, rodents, exposed wiring and falling debris - parents and teachers say the conditions at the schools have deteriorated at the schools bringing them to a crisis point.

A district spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

One of the plaintiff's named in the lawsuit, Chris Robinson, believes his 10-year-old daughter has gotten sick from the time she spends at her Spain Elementary School:

"Coughing, stomach aches, headaches -- she doesn't exhibit those symptoms when she is home," said Robinson.

Rolling teacher sick-outs in the Detroit Public Schools have forced the closing of dozens of schools some days. A judge this week denied the district's second attempt at a temporary restraining order against the sick-outs over poor pay, crowded classrooms, unsafe buildings and other issues.

The union says it doesn't condone educators' actions involved in the sick-outs.
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