Chicago Public Schools student with autism sexually assaulted by another student at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park: lawsuit
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A civil lawsuit filed Monday alleges a Chicago student with autism was sexually assaulted by another student earlier this year.

Chicago Public Schools said the alleged assault is the subject of an open investigation with the School Board’s Office of Student Protections.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Chicago police were called to Sullivan High School in Rogers Park Jan. 30.

CPD said a 15-year-old was battered and sexually assaulted and that no one is in custody.

The teen’s family said they pulled their son from school after another student attacked the boy.

“The school failed to act and failed in its fundamental duty to protect the children in its care,” lawyer Larry Disparti said.

“He walked by himself from his 10th grade homeroom classroom into a bathroom at Sullivan High School, where he was viciously sexually assaulted,” lawyer Case Casper said.

The 15-year-old’s family says it was a student who sexually assaulted the teen.

On Monday, the family stood with attorneys, as a complaint was filed against the Chicago Board of Education and three staff members.

The attorneys allege negligence by the Board and staff as the teen is required to have full-time supervision.

The complaint describes the sophomore as living with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. He has an Individualized Education Program that requires full-time supervision.

“This boy is virtually non-verbal. The ability for him to defend himself against an attack like this is virtually non-existent,” Casper said.

CPS issued a statement, saying:

“While the District can’t comment on any pending or ongoing litigation, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), prioritizes and takes seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all students.”

“It’s been very devastating,” the boy’s older sister said.

She and her parents did not want to be identified to protect the teen’s identity.

They wore pins the sister made to recognize Autism Awareness Month.

“He’s been very traumatized, very anxious whenever we walk down the street. He just wants to be beside us. If he has to take a shower or go to the bathroom, he wants someone to be there for him. He doesn’t want to be left alone,” his sister said.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services confirms there is an investigation into the matter.

The teen’s family said the teen was out of school for over two months because he was afraid to go back to Sullivan.

They say he is attending another school now.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hurricane Prep Week: Use caution after the storm

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Exercising Caution Post-Storm

The goal isn’t just surviving the storm, it’s also surviving what comes…
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks on decision to run for US Senate to replace Senator Dick Durbin: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Announces Candidacy for US Senate, Aiming to Succeed Senator Dick Durbin: ABC7 Exclusive Interview

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) — Illinois U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi had an exclusive…
Aerial view of Iran Mall in Tehran.

Exploring the World’s Largest Shopping Center with 12 Cinemas and a Theme Park in a Surprising Location Covering 21 Million Square Feet

THE world’s biggest shopping centre takes up a whopping 395 acres and…
ICE arrests ‘criminal alien’ released from prison with sex crimes conviction: 'He won’t be welcome back'

ICE Apprehends Convicted Sex Offender After Prison Release: ‘No Longer Welcome’

A “criminal alien” and “suspected terrorist” who served 19 years in prison…

Panic at Circus: Fire-Eater Accidentally Torches Tent with 113 Kids Inside, Causing Multiple Injuries

A FIRE-EATER accidentally ignited a large circus tent with 113 children present,…
Pete Hegseth says West Point professor who resigned over Trump admin education overhaul 'will not be missed'

Pete Hegseth Claims Departing West Point Professor Behind Trump-Era Education Reforms ‘Won’t Be Missed’

The resignation of a West Point professor due to educational changes influenced…
Jacksonville police dismantling large cable theft ring

Jacksonville Police Break Up Major Cable Theft Operation

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office dismantled a cable theft ring, arresting nine suspects…
Columbia faculty rights group condemns university's handling of library takeover: 'Authoritarian ethos'

Columbia Faculty Rights Group Criticizes University’s Response to Library Takeover: ‘Authoritarian Approach’

A faculty rights organization at Columbia University criticized the administration’s handling of…
Newark Liberty International Airport radar screens go dark again

Radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport malfunction once more

Early Friday, radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey…
Pope Leo XIV appearing on a balcony.

Pope Leo XIV Criticized for Allegedly Ignoring Sexual Abuse Claims Involving Priests in Chicago and Peru

POPE Leo XIV has been accused of “looking the other way” over…
Tufts University student detained by ICE granted bail by federal judge

Federal Judge Grants Bail to Tufts University Student Detained by ICE

A federal judge in Vermont has approved the release on bail for…
Pope Leo XIV 'had his head in his hands' as conclave voted, US cardinal reveals

US Cardinal Discloses: Pope Leo XIV Was Overwhelmed During Conclave Voting

U.S. Cardinal Joseph Tobin described the moment inside the conclave when he…