A 30-year-old woman, identified only as Jane Doe D.H., has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), accusing two male teachers of sexually abusing her during the 2009-2010 school year at Washington Preparatory High School in Gramercy Park. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, includes allegations of childhood sexual abuse, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.
The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for the trauma she suffered as a result of the abuse. According to the lawsuit, the victim was 15 years old when the alleged incidents occurred.
Allegations of Abuse by Two Teachers
In the lawsuit, Jane Doe D.H. claims that one teacher fondled her upper body while pretending to have a conversation with her about her musical instrument. The second teacher allegedly kissed her on the lips during a visit to a friend’s classroom, while also maintaining a “friendly and playful” demeanor.
The lawsuit further claims that other school officials, including administrators and staff members, had received numerous warnings about the two teachers’ behavior but did not take appropriate action to investigate or intervene. Despite the teachers spending a significant amount of time alone with female students, no investigations were conducted, according to the suit.
Claims of School District’s Negligence
The plaintiff also alleges that the LAUSD failed to properly supervise and address the teachers’ misconduct, thereby enabling the abuse to continue. The lawsuit accuses the district of negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of the teachers, as well as failing to report suspected child abuse. These failures are claimed to have contributed to severe emotional distress, medical expenses, and future lost earnings for the plaintiff.
The district has not commented on the pending litigation, stating in a public statement, “Los Angeles Unified does not comment on pending litigation.”
Seeking Justice and Accountability for Survivors
The lawsuit filed by Jane Doe D.H. highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse in schools and the failure of educational institutions to protect students. For survivors of abuse, understanding your legal rights and seeking justice is crucial.
At Helping Survivors, we are committed to helping those impacted by sexual abuse in schools and other environments. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse, we can connect you to the legal resources and support needed to move forward. Contact Helping Survivors today to receive the support and guidance you need.
