Settlement Reached in Case Involving Former CPS Teacher’s Abuse of 3 Young Boys
Former Teacher’s Abuse
The families of three boys allegedly sexually abused by a former Chicago Public Schools teacher have settled their lawsuit against the school board for $2 million, lawyers announced Thursday.
Disturbing Details Emerge
The families contended in federal court that the district did not notify families sufficiently of sexual abuse allegations by Andrew Castro, a former gym teacher at Federico Garcia Lorca Elementary School on the Northwest Side, that led to his removal in 2021. While the notification said a teacher had been removed, it did not name Castro. Castro allegedly abused the young boys from 2018 until 2022, after his removal.
Lawyers’ Reactions
"Let’s be clear, this settlement is not a victory to be celebrated," said Patrycja Karlin, a lawyer for the families in the suit, at a news conference. "It is merely the beginning of a much larger fight for accountability."
"Nothing was done, until it was too late, and the rape and the molestations had already occurred," said Larry Disparti, a lawyer for the families.
School Board Response
CPS, in a statement to the Sun-Times, said safety is a top priority, and it works to educate students and staff about sexual abuse and how to report it.
"CPS proactively works to prevent sexual abuse and to address and investigate any reports of abuse," a spokesperson said. "The district believes that any students who are harmed as a result of a legally recognized failure on the district’s part should be compensated in a reasonable manner that will help remedy injuries to the student."
Systemic Issues
Cass Casper, a lawyer representing the victims, was surprised to learn how big of a problem sexual abuse in Chicago schools is.
"There’s so many kids who are raising alarms about sex abuse, and apparently, as we’ve learned, our school system here in Chicago is not equipped with the tools to handle it," he said. "There are not adequate reporting measures, protections for kids both to preserve their anonymity and safeguard them from retaliation… We need to do more to fix this problem."
Amanda Martin, another lawyer representing the families, emphasized that they want to work together to solve this problem.
"We’re not here to attack the school," she said. "We’re here to help."
Conclusion
The settlement is a significant step towards justice for the victims, but it also highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing sexual abuse in Chicago schools. The lawyers and families involved in the case hope that their efforts will lead to meaningful change and a safer environment for all students.
FAQs
- What is the settlement amount in the case?
- The settlement is worth $2 million.
- Who is the former teacher involved in the case?
- The former teacher is Andrew Castro, a former gym teacher at Federico Garcia Lorca Elementary School.
- What was the alleged abuse like?
- The abuse allegedly manifested in molestation and rape, and Castro befriended the boys with gifts, compliments, and special treatment.
- How many cases of sexual abuse have been reported to the CPS Office of the Inspector General Sexual Allegations Unit since 2018?
- Since 2018, 2,000 cases have been filed with the unit, a 12% increase from the same time in 2023.
