In June 2023, six families filed a lawsuit against Rockwall Independent School District (Rockwall ISD) in Texas, alleging that their kindergarten-age daughters were sexually assaulted by a sixth-grade boy at Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School. The lawsuit alleges that the school district was negligent in allowing the sixth-grader to have unsupervised access to the kindergarten classroom.
Allegations
The lawsuit alleges that the sixth-grader was allowed to tutor kindergarten students on a regular basis. The boy allegedly used this opportunity to sexually assault the girls. The lawsuit also alleges that the school district failed to properly supervise the boy and failed to take adequate steps to prevent the assaults from happening.
Damages
The families are seeking damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. They are also seeking punitive damages against the school district.
Status of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The school district has denied the allegations and has filed a motion to dismiss the case.
Potential Impact
If the families are successful, the lawsuit could have a significant impact on Rockwall ISD. The school district could be forced to pay millions of dollars in damages and could be required to change its policies regarding unsupervised access to students.
Additional Information
- The lawsuit is not the first time that Rockwall ISD has been accused of mishandling sexual assault allegations. In 2020, the school district was accused of failing to properly investigate a sexual assault allegation against a teacher.
- The lawsuit is being brought by the law firm of Berger Singerman LLP.
Conclusion
The Rockwall ISD lawsuit is a serious case that could have far-reaching implications for the school district and for student safety. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by educators, parents, and students alike.
