DRP Signs on to Amicus Brief Holding School District Accountable for Failure to Protect Student with Severe Intellectual Disability from Sexual Abuse While at School

DRP joins the Women’s Law Project in the matter L.F.V., a minor by her legal guardians v. South Philadelphia High School by signing on to its amicus brief in support of student L.F.V. L.F.V. was a student at South Philadelphia High School with a severe intellectual disability who was enrolled in a special education curriculum and had an individualized safety plan provided by her school. Despite this, L.F.V. was sexually assaulted during class by two male students. As the brief illustrates, child sex abuse is a serious problem in Pennsylvania which can cause survivors harm that persists throughout their lives. School districts are in the best position to meaningfully prevent sexual abuse and protect students on school grounds. To end sexual abuse in school, school districts must be held accountable when they are negligent in their duty to protect students from such abuse. This brief encourages the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to affirm the Commonwealth Court’s favorable decision finding that school districts can be held liable and that they are exempt from immunity under Pennsylvania laws.

Read the brief by clicking here.