Federal Lawsuit Accuses Florence 1 Schools of Concealing Alleged Sexual Assault at West Florence High School

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Florence 1 Schools After Alleged Sexual Assault

Florence, S.C. — In a troubling development, Florence 1 Schools has found itself facing a federal lawsuit stemming from a disturbing alleged sexual assault incident that reportedly occurred last November at West Florence High School. A remarkable situation has unfolded – one that’s raising serious questions about safety and accountability in our education system.

The case revolves around a 17-year-old who has since turned 18 and is now charged with criminal sexual conduct in the first degree against a 16-year-old student. An incident report obtained from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office describes the aftermath of the event, noting that the School Resource Officer had to be called in after school officials voiced the concerning possibility of a rape when reporting the incident. The gravity of the situation was evident; as the SRO mentioned that he “immediately activated my department-issued body camera” upon being notified.

Details of the Case

The details surrounding this incident are both shocking and heart-wrenching. The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, is noted to have several formal diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, static encephalopathy, and spastic quadriplegia. These conditions have made her educational experience particularly challenging, requiring special accommodations such as early class dismissal and elevator access to avoid the chaos of crowded hallways.

The lawsuit, which has been filed by attorneys Ashley B. Nance and Robert Stucks, accuses the school district of attempting to conceal the assault rather than taking appropriate action to address the situation. Jane Doe’s mother, referred to as Mary Doe, expressed her deep concern when the district failed to communicate openly with students and families about the assault. Alarmingly, nearly two weeks had passed without any announcements prior to being contacted by a school administrator who requested Mary Doe reach out to a local journalist to discourage coverage of the assault. Naturally, this request felt unsettling to her.

Allegations of Negligence and Defamation

The suit contends that the district didn’t report the incident, which is a violation of South Carolina law requiring educational institutions to disclose such incidents to the Department of Education. As it currently stands, the Florence 1 Schools allegedly has reported zero incidents of forced sexual offenses for the 2023 school year, which seems highly improbable given the circumstances.

Nance, one of the attorneys representing Jane Doe, emphasized that this case is about accountability—holding the school district responsible for their actions, or lack thereof. She stated, “This case is about making sure that what happened, doesn’t happen to someone else.” The lawsuit also claims that the school district did not follow through with a necessary Title IX investigation, which is obligatory for federally funded schools to ensure equal access and safety for all students.

Emotional and Financial Impact

The trauma experienced by Jane Doe has caused significant emotional turmoil, leading her to require hospitalization, medical evaluations, and ongoing mental health treatment. She has also been forced to transfer to a different school district, signaling the profound personal consequences of this incident.

It’s striking to think that the actions—or inaction—of the school district may have compounded the harm caused to Jane Doe, challenging the integrity that educational environments are supposed to foster. The lawsuit highlights not just the legal ramifications but the implicit responsibility schools have to protect their students—especially those with special needs.

In seeking justice, Jane Doe’s family has asked for not only compensatory damages for the mental anguish and loss of quality of life caused by the school district’s actions but also punitive damages to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

The Path Forward

The school district has not yet publicly addressed these specific allegations since they are currently closed for fall intersession. They did issue a brief statement referencing an ongoing investigation into the matter, though it fell short of detailed accountability regarding the alleged concealment of the incident.

The path ahead remains uncertain, but what’s clear is that this case could symbolize a larger need for reform within educational institutions, especially regarding the protection of vulnerable students. The community watches and waits, hoping for justice and safety for every child in Florence.