A principal sued following the suicide of an Asian American teen who’s parents accused the district of refusing to help despite constant bullying has resigned.

Lincoln Butts of Fairfield Middle School near Cincinnati officially resigned for personal reasons.

His resignation follows the departure of School Superintendent Paul Otten who  left to take a job in nearby Greene County.

Both were among 9 individuals named in the lawsuit filed by Marc and Cynthia Olsen, the parents of Emilie Olsen, 13, who took her life in December 2014.

The lawsuit officially accused Butts of trying to intimidate her father from talking to the media.

RELATED STORY:

Parents of Asian American Teen who Killed Herself Sue School Saying She was Bullied

The Olsens says the district ignored evidence that Emilie was being bullied and refused their pleas for help.

The district acknowledges speaking to the Olsens but said its own investigation found no evidence of bullying.

The Olsens who adoped Emilie from China say race played a factor in their daughter’s death, saying bullying is a particular problem for many Asian American students.

“Because of the racial discrimination she faced during her seventh grade year at Fairfield Middle School Emilie asked her father, Marc Olsen, ‘[w]hy can’t I be white like you and mom?’” , according to the lawsuit.

RELATED STORY:

Parents Push for Accountability after Bullying of Asian American Students in Ohio

AsAmNews is an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. You can show your support by liking our Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/asamnews, following us on Twitter, sharing our stories, interning or joining our staff.