Record $25 Million Verdict in Long Island School Abuse Case Highlights Need for Greater Student Protections

Riverhead, NY — In a landmark decision, a Suffolk County jury has awarded $25 million in damages to a former student of the Bay Shore Union Free School District, concluding he was sexually abused by his third-grade teacher. This verdict, stemming from a trial presided over by Suffolk Supreme Court Justice Christopher Modelewski, marks the highest compensation awarded under New York’s Child Victims Act for a Long Island student. The plaintiff, anonymously identified as P.L., recounted during the trial the extensive emotional and psychological damage he suffered since the abuse occurred during the 1990-91 school … Read more

Bay Shore School District Held Accountable for Neglecting Student Abuse Claims

Bay Shore, NY — A recent ruling has placed the Bay Shore Union Free School District under scrutiny for its handling of sexual abuse claims lodged against Thomas Bernagozzi, a former teacher in the district. The court has found the district liable for negligence in addressing the allegations, marking a significant turn in a case that has captured local concern and raised questions about oversight in educational institutions. Details emerged that the district allegedly overlooked repeated signals and accusations that pointed to Bernagozzi’s misconduct over the years. This oversight, as court documents suggest, may have … Read more

Bronzeville High School Student Sues After Alleged Sexual Abuse by Security Guard; Claims School Staff Negligence

Chicago, IL — A lawsuit has been filed by a young survivor alleging that the staff at Dunbar Vocational High School in Bronzeville failed to protect him when a security guard sexually abused him during the 2021 academic year. The victim, referred to as John Doe in legal documents, endured repeated assaults by Tywain Carter, a then 29-year-old security officer, who has since been convicted and sentenced. At the time of the incidents, Doe was a 15-year-old sophomore and alleged that Carter cultivated a relationship with him under the guise of offering protection. The lawsuit … Read more

Elementary Student’s Harrowing Ordeal Leads to Lawsuit Against Colorado School District Over Racial and Homophobic Bullying

Pueblo, CO — A lawsuit has been filed against Pueblo School District 60 and the principal of Columbian Elementary School, accusing them of failing to protect a 12-year-old girl from severe racial and homophobic bullying. According to the lawsuit, the girl, Jaleigha’Nisa, endured years of abuse that exacerbated her stress to the point of requiring emergency medical intervention for a gastrointestinal issue, as well as setting her back academically in key subjects like reading and math. The complaint, filed Thursday in district court, argues that the school and its officials ignored repeated pleas for help … Read more