Norway’s Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from an Oslo high school teacher who was assaulted by a student in his classroom. Clemens Særs sought NOK 250,000 in compensation from the city’s school district, but lost in both the local and appeals courts.
Særs told newspaper Dagsavisen that he has no regrets, even though his legal struggle has cost him more than half-a-million kroner. The paper reported that a major public support campaign for Særs raised NOK 886,000 to help cover the court costs for which he became liable.
“I maintain that I’ve fought an important battle for all teachers and public employees in Norway,” Særs said. “Even though the price was high, I don’t regret it.”
Særs suffered serious physical injuries in the student’s attack and suffers from post-traumatic syndrome. He’s been left 25 percent disabled, while the student was sentenced to jail.
“Teachers who are subjected to violence at their place of work lack legal protection,” Særs believes. His case spurred widespread interest in both Norwegian media and among fellow teachers.
newsinenglish.no staff
