Going Once, Going Twice...Sued |
Thursday, September 19 2013 |
A New York City couple is suing their son's exclusive academy, claiming school officials rigged an auction and cost the parents $50,000. When Michelle and Jon Heinemann were unable to attend the annual silent auction at their son's $38,425-a-year Cathedral School of St. John the Divine, they allegedly gave the school permission to bid by proxy for a kindergarten class painting. According to news reports, the artwork contained "traced-and-cut-out paper hands" of the Heinemann's son and his classmates. In the past, such paintings have sold for between $1,200 and $3,000. According to the lawsuit, Ann LaForge, the school's director, placed a maximum bid on behalf of the Heinemanns at $50,000 and instructed a first-grade teacher to bid against them to raise the price. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that teachers and administrators mistreated the Heinemann's son, because "certain of the teachers and staff disliked [the Heinemanns] and the fact that [they] were generous donors to the school." The Heinemanns are seeking $415,900 for damages, plus interest. A spokesperson for the Cathedral School of St. John the Divine told news sources, "These allegations are sad, false and without merit. The Cathedral School has a more than 100-year reputation of excellence in education and service to its students and demonstrates a profound respect for the dignity and equality of every child.” —Source: HuffingtonPost.com
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