Variety Junior-Senior High School Staff Accused of Negligence During Incident
In a shocking case of negligence, the Clark County School District (CCSD) has agreed to pay $1.4 million in damages to a student who was sexually assaulted on school property. The incident, which occurred at Variety Junior-Senior High School in March 2020, was captured on surveillance video and revealed a disturbing lack of supervision by school staff.
5 Key Points
- A 13-year-old student, identified as Jane Doe, was sexually assaulted by another student during PE class.
- Surveillance video showed five adults on their cell phones or talking to each other as the incident occurred.
- The victim has suffered physical, emotional, and psychological injuries due to the assault and CCSD’s negligence.
- The student who attacked Jane Doe was deemed a known danger by staff and required constant supervision.
- CCSD settled the lawsuit for $1.4 million, and the victim is now attending a private school to cope with her trauma.
- Surveillance Video Reveals Staff Distraction During Assault
According to documents filed in Clark County District Court, the March 2020 incident was captured on video, clearly showing the victim being thrown to the ground and sexually attacked by another student. Shockingly, the video also revealed that five adults, presumably school staff members, were distracted by their cell phones or engaged in conversation with each other while the assault took place.
“The video showed our client being attacked, being thrown down on the ground, and being attacked sexually,” stated Andre Lagomarsino, the victim’s attorney.
Victim Suffers Long-Term Trauma
As a result of the sexual abuse and trauma, Jane Doe has experienced significant physical, emotional, and psychological injuries. Her attorney described the long-lasting effects of the assault, stating, “Difficulty sleeping. Difficulty with intimacy. Difficulty trusting adults. Even hugging her sometimes traumatizes her. She went through a period of years without even eating.”
Known Danger Required Constant Supervision
Variety Junior-Senior High School is a specialized institution for emotionally and mentally challenged students. According to Lagomarsino, the student who attacked Jane Doe had been identified by staff as a known danger and required constant supervision. However, the video evidence clearly shows that this necessary supervision was not provided during the time of the assault.
CCSD Settles Lawsuit, Victim Attends Private School
Although the victim and her family wished to take the case to trial, they ultimately agreed to a $1.4 million settlement with CCSD. Lagomarsino believed this was the best path for his client to heal and move forward. He hoped this incident would prompt a change in the district’s culture, prioritizing student safety above all else.
Currently, the victim is attending a private school that is providing support to help her cope with the trauma she experienced. It remains unknown if the student who perpetrated the assault faced any criminal charges or consequences.
Clark County School District FAQ
How old was the Clark County School victim at the time of the assault?
The victim, identified as Jane Doe, was 13 years old when she was sexually assaulted in March 2020.
Where did the incident occur?
The sexual assault took place at Variety Junior-Senior High School, a school for emotionally and mentally challenged students, during a PE class.
How much will the Clark County School District pay in damages?
CCSD has agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle the lawsuit the victim and her family filed.
What did the surveillance video reveal about school staff during the incident?
The video showed five adults, presumably school staff, distracted by their cell phones or engaged in conversation while the assault occurred.
Has the Clark County School District commented on the settlement?
As of the publication of this article, CCSD has not responded to requests for comment regarding the settlement or the incident.
Citation:
Peguero, J. (2023, May 19). Las Vegas student awarded $1.4 million after surveillance video captures sexual assault. 8 News Now.
