CPS Failed to Protect Student from Repeated Sexual Assault at Dunbar School, Lawsuit Alleges
Student Sues School and Security Guard for Negligence
A former Chicago Public Schools student has filed a lawsuit alleging that a school security guard repeatedly sexually assaulted him when he was a sophomore at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, and that teachers and staff failed to protect him and investigate the sexual misconduct.
The Allegations
According to the lawsuit, the student, now 18, was new to the South Side school in November 2021 when the security guard, Tywain Carter, started grooming him. Carter told the boy he would protect him from “bullies and gang members.” He then began pulling the student out of class to take him to a staff-only computer lab and sexually assault him. The regular abuse, which included rape and other violent acts, went on for several weeks in November and December 2021.
Failure to Intervene and Investigate
The student alleges that teachers and staff at Dunbar failed to recognize and report the grooming and sexual assault, despite being trained to do so. They also failed to provide the student with support and counseling, and failed to investigate the allegations when the student reported the abuse to his parents in December 2021.
CPS Response
A CPS spokesperson stated that the district does not comment on ongoing litigation, but emphasized that the safety and well-being of students and staff are top priorities. The district also claims to actively work to prevent sexual abuse and address all reports of abuse thoroughly.
Lawsuit Objectives
The lawsuit seeks to determine why the staff at Dunbar failed to protect the student and spread awareness about the district’s failure to protect students from sexual assault. The lawsuit also seeks an undetermined amount of money for the student’s injuries and suffering.
Student’s Story
The student, who was 15 at the time, told his mom what was happening in December 2021, and his parents then reported the abuse to Chicago police and the school. Carter was eventually arrested and pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the student and another Dunbar student. He is serving an eight-year prison sentence.
Consequences of CPS Failure
The student’s parents and attorneys say that the school’s failure to protect the student has had long-lasting consequences, including the student’s struggles with anxiety and PTSD. The student’s father stated that even after Carter was sent to prison, no one from Dunbar ever reached out to the family to see how the student was doing, much less apologize for what had happened.
Conclusion
The lawsuit highlights the devastating consequences of CPS’s failure to protect students from sexual assault and abuse. It is crucial that the district takes responsibility for its actions and provides support to victims like the student in this case.
FAQs
* What is the lawsuit alleging?
+ The lawsuit is alleging that the school security guard, Tywain Carter, repeatedly sexually assaulted the student, and that teachers and staff failed to protect the student and investigate the sexual misconduct.
* What is the student’s current condition?
+ The student is currently 18 and has struggled with anxiety and PTSD as a result of the abuse.
* What is the goal of the lawsuit?
+ The lawsuit seeks to determine why the staff at Dunbar failed to protect the student and spread awareness about the district’s failure to protect students from sexual assault. The lawsuit also seeks an undetermined amount of money for the student’s injuries and suffering.
* What is the response of the Chicago Public Schools district?
+ A CPS spokesperson stated that the district does not comment on ongoing litigation, but emphasized that the safety and well-being of students and staff are top priorities.
