Family says student with autism was sexually assaulted at Chicago public school
The family of a Chicago Public Schools student with special needs said their child was attacked, and the adults at his school did nothing to prevent it.
The allegation was revealed in a lawsuit filed Monday.
"No one has reached out, which is why the frustration," said the alleged victim's sister.
The woman did not want to be identified, because she said her 15-year-old brother with autism was a victim of sexual assault.
"We don't want this to happen to any other child," the victim's sister said. "It's very hard. I don't wish this on anyone."
Th alleged incident happened between students at Sullivan High School, at 6631 N. Bosworth Ave. in the Rogers Park neighborhood. The lawsuit filed Monday by Disparti Law Group contains hefty allegations about inadequate supervision and protection of the boy with special needs.
The boy "experienced a previous incident of forced kissing by another student," the lawsuit alleged. Then, on Jan. 30 of this year, a second classmate allegedly sexually assaulted the teen in a bathroom.
"The victim was supposed to have an adult present with him at all times," said attorney Cass Casper.
Casper said the 10th-grader's individual education plan, or IEP, "requires full-time teacher-assistant supervision," and says the boy, who struggles to speak, should never have been alone.
"His ability to defend himself from a vicious assault like this is sadly nonexistent," Casper said.
The victim's family is suing the Chicago Board of Education. The lawsuit also specifically names Sullivan High School teacher Deidre Denault — who is accused of telling the sophomore to "simply ignore the situation rather than advocating for his protection."
Assistant Principal John Rosebloom is also a defendant. The lawsuit said he "failed to properly maintain supervision" of the autistic teen and "failed to develop an effective safety plan."
A third unnamed employee allegedly threatened the teenager with retaliation if he reported the sexual assault. Attorneys believe she might be related to the alleged student attacker.
"Anxious," the victim's sister said. "Sad."
The victim is no longer a student at Sullivan High. His family said he is still mentally and emotionally recovering.
"If he needs to use the bathroom, he asks us not to leave his side," the victim's sister said. "If he has to speak with someone, he doesn't want to leave our side."
CBS confirmed the incident in the lawsuit is under investigation, and released the following statement: "While the District can't comment on any pending or ongoing litigation, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), prioritizes and takes seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all students."
No one would say if the student accused in the alleged sex assault was disciplined.
