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
One person killed after U-Haul truck explodes in Idaho retail shopping center parking lot

Tragic U-Haul Explosion Claims Life in Idaho Shopping Center Parking Lot

Tragedy struck early Saturday morning when a U-Haul truck exploded, resulting in…
Mike Lupica: Mets and Yankees apparently have nothing better to do than fight over Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger Sparks Rivalry Between Mets and Yankees as Teams Compete for His Signature

In the fast-paced realm of New York City’s baseball scene, Cody Bellinger…
Abraham Quintanilla Jr., father of Selena, dies at 86

Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Beloved Father of Iconic Singer Selena, Passes Away at 86

Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the influential father of the late Tejano superstar…
1 dead, 1 injured after shooting on Jacksonville's Westside

Tragic Shooting on Jacksonville’s Westside Leaves One Dead, Another Injured: Latest Updates

In the aftermath of a shooting on Jacksonville’s Westside, local authorities have…
Child Sex Predators: Inside an undercover Florida sting operation targeting online predators

Unmasking Evil: Inside Florida’s Bold Sting Operation Against Online Child Predators

First Coast News has been granted exclusive access to a covert operation…
Chicago weather today: Cold Weather Advisory issued, forecast calls for snow, dangerous temps at Bears game Sunday

Chicago Braces for Snow and Hazardous Temperatures: Cold Weather Advisory in Effect for Sunday’s Bears Game

CHICAGO (WLS) — A wave of snow coupled with dangerously low temperatures…
Blackburn Defends Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tanker: 'Enforcing Sanctions'

Blackburn Justifies Venezuelan Oil Tanker Seizure as a Measure of Sanctions Enforcement

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has come forward to defend the recent…
Law enforcement expert warns early details ‘often change’ as manhunt intensifies at Brown University

Law Enforcement Specialist Highlights Potential for Evolving Information Amid Intensified Manhunt at Brown University

As authorities persist in their hunt for a suspect linked to a…
US deploys fighter jets to Gulf of Venezuela in closest known approach yet, amid rising tension

US Fighter Jets Make Historic Deployment to Gulf of Venezuela as Tensions Escalate

In a significant move, the United States sent two fighter jets over…
Illegal immigrant bites ICE officer in 'gross attack' while resisting arrest: DHS

Shocking Encounter: ICE Officer Attacked During Arrest by Illegal Immigrant

An officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana suffered…
Christmas in the Wards at McCormick Place in the Loop and Lombard, Illinois toy drive warm hearts amid cold Chicago weather

Heartwarming Holiday Cheer: McCormick Place & Lombard Toy Drive Brightens Cold Chicago Days

CHICAGO (WLS) — The icy grip of winter has transformed Chicago into…
Readers sound off on airstrike executions, health care urgency and gas lobbying

Voices Unleashed: Debating Airstrike Ethics, Health Care Crises & Gas Lobbying Power Plays

Let the public see the reality of these strikes San Francisco: A…