Loudoun schools hire law firm to independently review handling of sex assault allegations - WJLA
ASHBURN, Va. (7News) — Loudoun County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Scott Ziegler announced Friday afternoon that school officials have hired a law firm to conduct an independent review of how they handled allegations of sex assaults at Stone Bridge and Broad Run high schools.
"We believe we have followed all mandatory reporting protocols and aided law enforcement to the fullest extent allowed in all investigations regarding these matters," Ziegler said. "We acknowledge that these matters need to be fully reviewed. Consequently, and with full support of the School Board, Loudoun County Public Schools hired Blankingship & Keith, P.C. on October 28, 2021 to conduct an independent review of these incidents."
He said the independent review is only one step in moving forward and healing the school community.
"We will keep you up-to-date about the steps we take and the progress we make," Ziegler added. "Together, we believe we can make our schools a safer, more nurturing environment for every student."
7News has learned that two sexual assaults were reported inside two Loudoun County schools, one on May 28 and one on Oct. 6, allegedly involving the same teen suspect, who is a student at the schools.
The teen, who is now 15, was recently found guilty in the first assault inside a bathroom at Stone Bridge High.
The victim’s legal team, The Stanley Law Group, tells 7News that the Judge determined that there were facts sufficient that the defendant committed a forcible assault. A second attack with the same suspect was reported inside a classroom at Broad Run in early October after the suspect was allowed to come back to class at a different school.
Ziegler has come under fire for how the schools responded to the reported incidents of assault. He has initially said he didn't know about the assaults when concerned parents showed up to a June 22 board meeting looking for answers, including the victim's father, Scott Smith. Smith was arrested during a heated exchange at the meeting. 7News spoke to Smith about the incident.
In an Oct. 15 statement, Ziegler said although the schools complied with obligations under Title IX about how schools must investigate allegations of sexual harassment and assault in schools so it equally protects both victims and alleged perpetrators, it wasn't enough.
"First, let me say to the families and students involved — my heart aches for you and I am sorry that we failed to provide the safe, welcoming, and affirming environment that we aspire to provide," he said during a press conference. "We acknowledge and share in your pain and we will continue to offer support to help you and your families through this trauma. For all of our students, our school-based Unified Mental Health Teams are available to anyone who needs care."
He said the process could be strengthened and he is recommending the school board place the issue on the agenda to lobby for changes that will allow for more protection of victims.
The statement came hours after Smith announced his family would be suing the schools.
But an email showed Ziegler did know about the incidents. And earlier this week, two Loudoun County sheriff's deputies and Sheriff Mike Chapman both said school officials were notified.
Smith and other parents are outraged about the response from the schools.
“My family has been unfortunately pulled into this nightmare,” said Smith, who gave 7News an exclusive interview.
Smith is demanding some answers from Loudoun County School officials.
“How could you allow this alleged sexual predator to return to a Loudoun County public school before the court was wrapped up with our court situation,” said Smith.
source: https://wjla.com/news/local/loudoun-county-schools-hire-law-firm-to-independently-review-handling-of-sex-assaults
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