In a disturbing case of alleged misconduct and negligence, a lawsuit has been filed against a school district and several individuals following claims of harassment and discrimination by a high school teacher. The complaint was lodged by Brandy Stahl on behalf of her minor daughter, C.S., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on February 17, 2026, targeting Tiffin City Schools Board of Education and other associated parties.
The lawsuit outlines severe allegations against Haiyuan “Harry” Gao, a Chinese language teacher at Columbian High School. According to the complaint, Gao’s behavior towards female students was characterized by harassment, inappropriate touching, and discriminatory remarks that began in August 2024. The plaintiff asserts that this misconduct led to significant psychological distress for C.S., culminating in stress-induced seizures and other mental health issues such as PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety. It is claimed that despite numerous complaints from students about Gao’s conduct dating back to March 2023, the school district failed to take appropriate action.
The plaintiffs accuse the defendants of violating multiple laws including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Fourteenth Amendment’s rights to due process and equal protection. They argue that the district exhibited deliberate indifference by not addressing or investigating prior complaints against Gao adequately. Furthermore, it is alleged that after reports were made in March 2025, Gao retaliated against those who spoke out by encouraging male students to harass them further.
Seeking justice for C.S., the plaintiffs are demanding compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the defendants’ actions or lack thereof. They also seek declaratory judgment deeming certain state laws unconstitutional as applied in this context. Additionally, they request injunctive relief requiring changes in how the district handles similar cases in the future.
Representing Brandy Stahl are attorneys from Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP based in Cleveland, Ohio. The case ID is 3:26-cv-00387; however, details regarding judges presiding over this matter have not been disclosed yet.
Source: 326cv00387_Stahl_v_Tiffin_City_Schools_Board_of_Education_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
