Santa Fe School Sued Over Mini-Zozobra Burn Incident
A parent filed a lawsuit against the Academy for Technology and the Classics following student injuries in 2024.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
Maria Pichardo filed a lawsuit on August 17, 2026, against the Academy for Technology and the Classics in Santa Fe. The legal action follows a 2024 school event where six students sustained burn injuries.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on the safety and oversight of school-sponsored events that involve hazardous activities. It seeks accountability for an incident that resulted in hospitalization for some of the injured students.
The lawsuit reports that six students were injured during a mini-Zozobra burning event, with two requiring hospitalization. The plaintiff's 12-year-old son sustained burns to his arm, shoulder, ear, head, and hair.
The players
Maria Pichardo
She is the plaintiff who initiated legal action against the school following injuries sustained by her child.
Academy for Technology and the Classics
This is a public charter school located in Santa Fe that is currently defending against the negligence lawsuit.
First Judicial Court
This is the state district court where the legal proceedings are currently taking place.
The details
The complaint alleges negligence during the burning of a mini-Zozobra sculpture at the Santa Fe school in August 2024. The Academy for Technology and the Classics has formally denied any wrongdoing in response to the allegations.
Timeline
The mini-Zozobra burning incident occurred in August 2024.
Maria Pichardo filed the lawsuit in the First Judicial Court on August 17, 2026.
Culture Shift
The incident mirrors the regional tradition of the historical Zozobra burning event in Santa Fe but highlights the risks of local institutional attempts to replicate the ritual. It illustrates a trend where schools face increased scrutiny for safety protocols during traditions.
Residents may see a change in how local schools conduct traditions or events involving fire to ensure student safety. Families with students at the Academy for Technology and the Classics may also face ongoing discussions regarding school facility safety policies.
The takeaway
Parents should stay informed about the specific activities their children are participating in during school-sanctioned events. Ensuring that organizers have proper safety measures in place for potentially hazardous rituals is essential for protecting students.
Further reading
For more on academic policies, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Fe New Mexican.
