High School Faces Lawsuit Over Shocking Sword-Fighting Classroom Incident
Albuquerque, New Mexico – A lawsuit has been filed against Volcano Vista High School, its vice principal, Manuel Alzaga, and former teacher Loviata Mitchell, after allegations surfaced that Mitchell brought real swords into her science classroom and instructed students to engage in fights. The legal action, filed on February 23, is on behalf of a 16-year-old student identified as N.S., who sustained severe injuries during the disturbing incident.
According to the lawsuit, Mitchell secretly brought two swords into the school on May 2, 2022, and revealed them to her science class, describing them as props. The weapons included a katana-style sword with a sharp edge and a rapier-style sword. Mitchell then allegedly instructed students to rearrange desks, creating a fighting space in the classroom, with the battles timed and recorded by fellow students.
N.S. was called to participate in a fight and suffered a significant injury when struck across her right forearm, wrist, and hand by the katana-style sword. The lawsuit details a “large and deep laceration” causing profuse bleeding. Mitchell, reportedly realizing the severity of the situation, ordered students to delete video recordings and instructed them not to disclose the incident.
The lawsuit further claims that Mitchell delayed calling for medical assistance, resulting in a 20-minute wait before N.S.’s grandfather was notified. N.S. experienced ongoing pain and underwent surgery for nerve and tendon damage, leaving her dominant hand significantly weakened. The lawsuit also notes N.S.’s diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Allegations of a cover-up emerged, with Assistant Principal Alzaga filling out an official accident report describing the swords as props used to teach a lesson “on metal and melding.” Despite acknowledging N.S.’s injury, the report claimed no violation of school rules, ignoring policies against deadly weapons on campus. The lawsuit argues that this was an attempt to shift liability away from Mitchell.
The legal action seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees, costs, and other relief. Volcano Vista High School declined to comment, citing a policy against discussing pending litigation. Mitchell is reportedly no longer employed at the school.