The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear appeals filed by families of victims from the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, effectively ending attempts to hold school employees legally responsible for the tragedy.
In a brief order issued on May 28, 2025, the court upheld the lower court’s ruling that found no evidence school staff were the "proximate cause" of the shooting. This decision supports a precedent that under Michigan law, public school employees enjoy significant immunity from lawsuits unless gross negligence can be proven.
The Court of Appeals had previously ruled 3-0 in favor of the school staff, citing that the shooter, 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley, made a deliberate and premeditated choice to bring a firearm to school. Crumbley tragically killed four students and injured seven others.
Prior to the incident, Crumbley had drawn disturbing images and messages on a math worksheet, yet when his parents were summoned to the school, they refused to take him home. Additionally, neither staff nor parents checked his backpack, despite comments about its weight.
Currently, Crumbley is serving a life sentence, while his parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are each serving 10 years for involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors noted their failure to address his mental health needs and properly secure the firearm, contributing to the tragedy.
The families’ attorney announced plans to speak publicly following the court’s decision.
