Lawsuit Filed Against Boston Public Schools and Transdev Services for Failing to Protect 9-Year-Old Girl from Sexual Assault on School Bus
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a 9-year-old girl and her family against Boston Public Schools and Transdev Services, alleging that both entities failed to protect the girl from repeated sexual assault by another student while riding the bus home from Match Charter Public School in Hyde Park. This article provides an overview of the case and highlights the allegations made by the plaintiff’s legal representation.
Allegations of Repeated Sexual Assault and Rape
The lawsuit alleges that over a period of seven months during the 2022-2023 school year, the plaintiff, a 9-year-old girl, was repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped by an 11-year-old classmate on the bus ride home from school. The plaintiff’s legal representation, Morgan & Morgan, states that the girl suffered significant physical and mental harm as a result of these assaults.
Impact on the Victim’s Well-being and Education
The repeated sexual assaults had a profound impact on the victim’s well-being and education. The plaintiff was forced to leave school just a few months shy of finishing fourth grade due to fear of physical or social repercussions. This disruption in her education and social development is likely to have long-lasting effects on her academic progress and overall well-being.
Failure to Provide Video Evidence
According to the complaint, an investigation revealed that despite Transdev Services requiring the specific bus to have mandatory video equipment onboard, no video evidence was found for any of the dates of the alleged assaults. This failure to provide crucial video evidence raises questions about the adequacy of safety measures and protocols in place to protect students during their bus commute.
Seeking Accountability and Preventing Future Incidents
Attorneys Nina Bonelli and Alexander Zodikoff, representing the plaintiff, emphasize the importance of holding Boston Public Schools and Transdev Services accountable for their alleged failure to follow their own policies, which they claim directly led to the young child’s assault. The lawsuit aims to ensure that the defendants are held responsible for their actions and prevent similar incidents from happening to other children in the city.
Boston Public Schools’ Response
In response to the allegations, Boston Public Schools stated that their jurisdiction to take action is limited when it comes to students who do not attend a Boston Public School but still utilize BPS buses. The school district expressed devastation upon learning about the incident five months after it occurred and assured that they took all available and appropriate steps once informed.
Conclusion:
The lawsuit filed against Boston Public Schools and Transdev Services highlights the serious allegations of repeated sexual assault and rape against a 9-year-old girl while riding the school bus. The case underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students during their daily commute. As this is a developing news story, stay tuned to 7NEWS for the latest updates.
