Girl raped by student at school sues for $3.5 million

By: The Associated Press

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A girl who was 13 when she was raped by another student in a school bathroom in Pawtucket is suing for $3.5 million.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Providence names the city, school department and various school officials. It says her civil rights were violated under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded programs.

The girl, identified as Jane Doe, was raped in 2016 by an 18-year-old student at the Pawtucket Learning Academy, a public school. He was recently convicted and sentenced to serve 10 years in prison.

The lawsuit says officials knew sexual harassment and molestations were pervasive at the school.

Doe’s lawyer, George Hovarth, declined to comment.

City and school department officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

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