Former student is suing the Chicago Board of Education over claims it failed to protect him from sexual assault and abuse

CHICAGO – A former Chicago Public Schools student who was sexually assaulted by a security guard is now suing the Board of Education.

The student’s attorneys filed the civil lawsuit Thursday. It says the student’s former school, Dunbar Career Academy, and the school system failed to protect him from sexual abuse in 2021 by then 29-year-old Tywain Carter.

In 2023, Carter pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the student, who was 15 years old at the time. Carter also pleads guilty to sexually assaulting another student.

The lawsuit names six Dunbar employees who allegedly knew about the guard’s actions and failed to report it.

CPS issued a statement to WGN News saying this is the case “The safety and well-being of our staff and students are top priorities and fundamentals for our school communities. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) actively works to prevent sexual abuse and thoroughly addresses all reports of abuse. District leaders and staff understand the traumatic impact of sexual assault and continually strive to educate leaders, teachers and students about the topic and the reporting process. The district does not comment on pending litigation.”

The now 18-year-old victim, referred to in the lawsuit as “John Doe,” and his parents, made a brief statement when the lawsuit was filed. In it, they said the student is dealing with trauma caused by the situation.

According to the attorneys, the family hopes this lawsuit will send a message to CPS about the need to improve safety.

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