Family Files Lawsuit Against LA School Over Alleged Student Assault

A family in Los Angeles has initiated legal action against the prestigious Sierra Canyon School following allegations that their 7-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by other students involved in a so-called “kissing club.” The lawsuit, announced by attorney Sam Dordulian at a news conference on Wednesday, claims that the school failed to provide adequate supervision, allowing older students to pressure younger ones into inappropriate behavior.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged incidents occurred in school bathrooms, where groups of second-graders, aged 7 and 8, would meet without adult supervision. Dordulian indicated that the club was reportedly led by an 8-year-old girl who organized these gatherings. He emphasized that the environment was secluded, making it easier for older children to coerce their younger peers into participating in kissing and other sexualized activities.

The victim’s parents expressed their distress over the situation, stating they had previously raised concerns about their daughter’s safety with the school. Despite bringing attention to bullying issues in 2023, they claim that no protective measures were put in place. “I told them that my daughter feared for her safety and was extremely uncomfortable going to the bathroom,” the mother said, highlighting her daughter’s reluctance to use school facilities due to safety concerns.

During the news conference, Dordulian noted the psychological toll on the victim, stating, “This club would meet in the bathrooms, where they would have seclusion and not be supervised by adults.” The parents reported significant behavioral changes in their daughter since the incidents occurred and pleaded for schools to take parental concerns seriously. The mother tearfully stated, “No family should have to go through this,” underscoring the need for improved vigilance in schools.

The lawsuit also references resources available from the California Department of Education, which provides guidelines on appropriate supervision for children in educational settings. Dordulian pointed out that child-on-child abuse is a critical issue that schools must actively address. “Child-on-child abuse is something that schools should be addressing; they should be concerned about,” he remarked.

Adding to the family’s frustrations, the father highlighted the lack of communication from the school, stating they were not informed about the existence of the “kissing club,” despite the school allegedly being aware of it. “Had it not been for our own detective work and figuring all of this out, this could have continued happening in future years,” he said.

The lawsuit is not an isolated case, as Dordulian mentioned a second lawsuit has already been filed involving another victim of the same group. He confirmed that the child identified as the “ring-leader” of the club is no longer attending Sierra Canyon School. The school has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the allegations.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case brings attention to the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring a safe environment for students. The outcome could prompt broader discussions on student supervision and policies addressing bullying and inappropriate behavior among young children.