By Heart of Illinois ABC
FARMER CITY – A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges the Blue Ridge School District, which serves part of McLean County, allowed a teenage student to sexually molest a first-grader with Down Syndrome.
In a news release, lawyers for the child’s family said the girl was “continuously” subjected to sexual abuse while on the school bus, and the district permitted to “touch, kiss, and fondle” the girl while sitting on his lap.
The child is being identified as Jane Doe, and her family’s lawyers claim the abuse can be seen on the school bus video security system.
The lawsuit alleges bus aides responsible for monitoring the girl left their seats, enabling the teenager to sit next to her and enabling him to sexually assault her.
The bus driver is accused of allowing the boy to take Jane Doe to his house, without her parents’ permission.
According to the family’s lawyers, the Blue Ridge district, covering Bellflower, Farmer City, and Mansfield, failed to conduct its own investigation of the alleged abuse and did not offer counseling or academic health for the girl.
As a result, the family’s attorney say the district violated Jane Doe’s federal and constitutional rights.
They’re suing the district, the bus aides and driver for unspecified damages.
Late Tuesday, Blue Ridge Superintendent Dr. Hillary Stanifer told Heart of Illinois-ABC that she had not received a copy of the complaint. She said it will be forwarded to the school district’s attorney for review and to respond to the allegations.
Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].
