Moneta, Virginia – A former student of Stone Bridge High School and their parents have filed a Title IX lawsuit against the Loudoun County School Board. The lawsuit alleges that the school board failed to adequately investigate and cover up a sexual assault that took place at the school, not only harmfully impacting their education, but violating Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). The lawsuit was filed using the legal pseudonym “Jane Doe” in order to protect the identity of the Plaintiff, who is still a minor.
The student struggled academically, emotionally, and physically for the rest of the school year due to the school’s failure to act. The lawsuit alleges that the school’s failure to respond to reports of sexual assault constitutes sex discrimination, violating Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Bill Stanley, Esq., one of Jane Doe’s attorneys, commented: “Every student deserves to feel safe and supported in their learning environment. When schools fail to take action to address sexual assault on their campuses, it creates a hostile environment for all students. It is clear from the facts in this case that the Loudoun County School Board chose a dangerous political agenda over the safety of their students. It is also without question that the school board has failed Jane Doe and caused great harm to her life. We are committed to holding the Loudoun County School Board accountable for their violations of federal law, and we will not rest until all students in Loudoun County have access to a safe and supportive education in the public school system from here forward.”
The student was also physically assaulted, threatened, and bullied by peers, denying her access to a safe educational environment. The lawsuit alleges that LCPS’s deliberate indifference to sexual assault within the student body is subjecting an unconscionable number of students to a hostile educational environment based on sex.
“Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims. When schools fail to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault promptly, they are putting their students at risk. While the Loudoun County School Board attempted to cover up this horrific attack and silence parents at their school board meetings, we will not allow them to ignore their egregious behavior, nor can they turn off this microphone like they tried to do before. We are seeking justice for Jane Doe, nothing less,” said Mike Joynes, co-counsel with William Stanley on behalf of Jane Doe.
The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief to require LCPS to take steps to prevent sexual assault and to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.