Looking Out for Our Kids

Recent allegations out of the LakeVille Community School District in Genesee County are beyond the comprehension of most rational people: a former teacher stands accused of sexually assaulting a student, and since the first report, more former students have come forward.

For the families living with this, and for the families in LakeVille, you may be left thinking: how was something like this allowed to happen, and who let it continue?

When sexual abuse happens in schools, the harm is often made possible by institutions. Teachers are given unsupervised access to children and a tremendous amount of trust. Grooming and other warning signs are often ignored or left uninvestigated. People in positions of power may decide that protecting the institution matters more than protecting the kids they have a duty to protect.

Coming forward is never easy. Michigan law gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse real rights and options to obtain justice beyond the criminal process. For example, sexual assault survivors—particularly children—are permitted to file civil lawsuits holding institutions accountable and those lawsuits can often be brought under pseudonyms. This protects their privacy and mental health while allowing them some measure of power by holding those responsible for their harm liable. Such lessons and mental health benefits can last a lifetime.

We have a long history guiding Michigan families—and families across the country—through this process so they can get the justice they deserve. Conversations with our firm are confidential and free, and if we can’t help you we will put you in touch with the right people.

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The Fierberg National Law Group represents survivors of sexual abuse and their families in cases against the schools and institutions that failed to protect them. This post discusses pending allegations that have not been proven in court.