A former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) student has filed a lawsuit against the district, alleging that she was groomed and sexually abused by a former dean at her high school—the Greater Lawndale School for Social Justice, part of Little Village Lawndale High School. The student, who was 15 at the time of the alleged abuse, claims that the school did nothing to prevent the abuse.
The lawsuit asserts that former Dean of Students Brian Crowder initiated a relationship with the student in 2013 by sending messages over Snapchat. The relationship subsequently escalated to them having sex multiple times a month from 2013 to 2015, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago. During that period, the student became pregnant twice and received abortions, with Crowder posing as her stepfather to provide the necessary consent, the lawsuit claimed.
Even more damning are allegations that another CPS employee was made aware of the abuse but failed to take action. In addition, it is alleged that school employees commented on the frequent visits the student made to Crowder’s office and joked about the nature of their relationship, according to a statement obtained by FOX 32 Chicago.
Crowder was charged with one felony count of criminal sexual assault after an extensive police investigation that included examination of Snapchat messages and medical records, WGN News reported.
Despite the charges, the lawsuit aims to hold CPS accountable for their failure to protect students and for allegedly ignoring a pattern of sexual abuse within its schools."No child should have to experience sexual abuse at the hands of the very adults entrusted with their personal development and safety. Our schools should be a place where students feel safe and where parents feel safe sending their children." said the victim's attorney Martin Gould in a statement.
In response to the allegations, CPS stated, “Chicago Public Schools (CPS), prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure all employees act in the best interest of our students. The District does not comment on pending investigations or litigation. Our CPS team follows District policies and procedures as we respond to issues.” as conveyed in their statement to WGN News. The district has declared that it does not comment on pending investigations or litigation.
The lawsuit comes in the wake of a Chicago Tribune investigation that uncovered widespread sexual abuse of students within CPS. The press conference to further detail the lawsuit and discuss the experiences of the victim is to be held by the attorneys representing the former student.
