Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit [2025 Update]

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School districts and private schools in Illinois are facing lawsuits due to staff sexually assaulting students. Schools often failed to protect the minors in their care from sexual abuse. Though perpetrators vary from case to case, ranging from other students to faculty, administrators, and staff, each paints a picture of institutional failure.

Survivors of sexual abuse at Illinois schools are seeking justice through lawsuits. These lawsuits seek damages and corrective actions from districts. Survivors say school administrators and boards were negligent in their duties or actively covered up the incidents to protect their reputations.

Many of these incidents are decades old, but recent reform efforts at the state level are giving survivors longer opportunities to file civil suits and criminal charges. This article will discuss those changes, along with major developments in Illinois sexual abuse lawsuits.

Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

December 22, 2025: Survivor or Child Sexual Assault at Chicago School Will Receive $17.5 Million

A woman who has used the pseudonym Jane Doe has settled a lawsuit with Chicago Public Schools, alleging sexual abuse by a dean. The Chicago Board of Education approved the settlement, of which it will pay $10 million, with the other $7.5 million paid by insurance carriers. The Board says it is not assuming liability and is settling to put the litigation behind them. The woman, who is now in her twenties, said her former dean of discipline, Brian Crowder, started a relationship with her when she was 15. Dean is alleged to have posed as the child’s stepfather to get her two abortions during the girl’s abuse.

September 22, 2025: Ex-Assistant Principal Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Abuse

Former Edwardsville High School assistant principal Erin Hamilton-Foley plead guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse. She took the plea bargain after having been charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault against a minor. According to the anonymous 17-year-old victim’s grandmother, the victim had “withdrawn from life.” Hamilton-Foley faces four years in prison.

July 3, 2025: Former Chicago Public Schools’ Dean Found Guilty Of Sexual Abuse

A jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial of Brian Crowder, a former Chicago Public Schools dean, who was charged with criminal sexual assault in 2022. His victim, a former Little Village Lawndale High School student, said she was coerced into a sexual relationship with him that lasted from 2013 until 2016. Her lawsuit also alleges the school failed to act when it became aware of the relationship.

June 18, 2025: Former Downers Grove High School Teacher Faces Dozens Of Sexual Abuse Charges

Christina Formella, a former high school teacher and boys’ soccer coach, is released on bond after being indicted on 20 counts of sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated sexual abuse, six counts of indecent solicitation of a child, and six counts of grooming. The victim in the case was a boy, 15 at the time, whom she coached. The incidents took place over a two-year period.

June 18, 2025: Parents Of Special Needs Student File Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Taylorville School District

Alleging that the Taylorville School District failed to protect their 10-year-old daughter’s Title-IX rights, the parents of a girl diagnosed with ADHD and autism filed a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit also named Durham School Services, which provides the district with bus service. The lawsuit claims the victim was sexually assaulted by an older student at her bus stop and on the bus, and that the school district took inadequate measures in the aftermath.

May 19, 2025: NBC-5 Investigation Uncovers Over A Decade Of Allegations Involving Chicago Public Schools’ Staff

A Chicago NBC news affiliate publishes the results of an investigation involving 12 women who had graduated from Little Village Lawndale High School between 2009 and 2019 and claimed to have been sexually abused by staff. The investigation found that at least seven teachers or administrators had been fired or forced to resign due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

March 18, 2025: Homewood-Flossmoor High School District Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit For $3.5 Million

A suburban school district settles a lawsuit with Amayah Blair and her mother, Jessica Johnson, for $3.5 million. The lawsuit alleged that Homewood-Flossmoor High School District failed to notify Johnson for over an hour after Blair reported being sexually assaulted by a male student. The lawsuit also claimed that Blair was not given medical assistance before being transported to a hospital. The plaintiffs in the case chose not to remain anonymous.

January 30, 2025: Bill Introduced That Would Force Schools To Expel Students Who Sexually Assault Peers

State Republicans introduce a bill that would require Illinois schools to expel students who sexually assault other students. The state currently has mandatory 1-year expulsions for students who bring weapons to school. Though the bill would not make it to committee later in March, Sen. Steven McClure, R-Springfield, says he is still working on building bipartisan support for the measure.

July 27, 2018: The Chicago Tribune Publishes “Betrayed,” A Series On School-Based Sexual Abuse

The Chicago Tribune publishes an extensive series on the failure of Chicago schools to protect students from sexual abuse. The investigation found hundreds of cases, going back a decade, in which regional school districts failed to properly handle credible sexual assault accusations. Allegations included not meeting mandatory reporting standards, failing to adequately screen personnel, failing to properly investigate, and, in some cases, actively covering up the incidents.

About the Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

About the Illinois School Sexual Abuse Crisis

Thousands of students in Illinois have experienced sexual abuse while at school. The abuse has been committed by teachers, staff, and students. In recent years, the abuse and failures that allowed the abuse have come to light. Multiple civil lawsuits have been filed against public and private schools in Illinois.

The increase in lawsuits comes in the wake of investigations like the Chicago Tribune’s “Betrayed” series, which uncovered a pattern of negligence and malignant reputation management in institutions that care for children, including public and private schools. This investigation revealed that schools often mishandled reports of sexual abuse by students.

Under Illinois law, education personnel, including school administrators and noncertified school employees, are required to report instances of child abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

The perpetrators in these incidents include other students, school staff, or someone who commits assault on school property or at a school-sponsored event. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, 66% of sexually abused children are between the ages of 12 and 17.

Illinois Schools Implicated in Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse in Illinois schools is widespread. When schools fail to handle these incidents appropriately, they can create environments in which predators can operate with limited friction. This puts more students at risk and can allow for continued abuse of students.

Here are some of the Illinois schools that have been implicated in sexual abuse lawsuits and investigations.

Chicago Public Schools, Located in Chicago, IL

The Chicago Tribune’s Betrayed series found that, between 2008 and 2017, police investigated an average of one sexual abuse report in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) per week. Around 230 of these cases were considered credible, and in 72 of them a school employee was accused of sexual abuse. Of those 72, 39 were teachers.

Although the district’s high numbers can partially be attributed to the number of students enrolled, the report found troubling patterns in how Chicago Public Schools handled the claims. Alleged failures of the district and its personnel included:

• Cutting deals with accused educators to get them to resign rather than report them
• Screening of new hires, but not existing staff
• Failing to alert parents when abuse was reported or suspected
• Using its Law Department to investigate claims and then using that information to defend the district from lawsuits
• Failing to report student-teacher incidents in which the student was above the age of consent
• Failing to warn other school districts about misconduct by former personnel

Specific Chicago Public Schools that have been named in civil actions include: Little Village Lawndale, Sullivan High School, and Wildwood Elementary.

Lake Forest Montessori School, Located in Lake Forest, IL

A former student of a Montessori school in Lake Forest sued the school, claiming the district allowed 43-year-old teacher, Celina Montoya, to have prolonged periods of time alone with him despite displaying inappropriate behavior. The school also failed to terminate her when they learned of the relationship. Montoya was convicted of criminal sexual assault of a child between 13 and 17 in 2013. The lawsuit also claimed the school did not report the claim to DCFS in a timely manner.

Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233, Located in Flossmoor, IL

The Amayah Blair case, discussed above, named the Board of Education of Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233, the school’s principal, and a teacher as defendants on the grounds that they failed to provide adequate supervision. Though the district denies any wrongdoing, the school’s insurance settled the case for $3.5 million in March 2025.

Westchester Middle School, Located in Westchester, IL

A former Westchester Middle School student filed a lawsuit against the district after alleging that former teacher and coach Dawn Chester sexually abused her when she was 11. The lawsuit claims the superintendent was alerted of an incident that occurred during a school-sanctioned sleepover but failed to follow up appropriately. No report of the incident was made to law enforcement or DCFS.

Other School Sexual Abuse Cases in Illinois

There are numerous other school abuse cases that have recently been resolved or are ongoing in Illinois. Other schools that have been named in lawsuits include:

• Edwardsville High School
• Downers Grove High School
• Taylorville School District
• J. Sterling Morton High School District 201
• Lockport Township High School
• Maryville Academy
• New Berlin School District

How Illinois Schools Failed to Protect Students

Although sexual abuse is perpetrated by individuals rather than institutions, schools do have a duty to take reasonable precautions to protect students from harm. Schools named in sex abuse lawsuits allegedly failed in that duty through negligence or even active cover-ups. These behaviors can effectively protect abusers and create environments in which they can operate with impunity, whether they are adult staff or other students.

Failure to Screen and Supervise Faculty and Staff

Minors cannot legally consent to a sexual relationship with adults. Additionally, as of 2011, it is illegal for a school employee to engage in a sexual relationship with an enrolled student of the same school in Illinois, even if they are over the age of 18. Inadequate background checks can grant individuals with a history of sexual misconduct access to children. Teachers who have had their licenses revoked in other states may attempt to reestablish themselves in other districts, a practice called passing the trash .

Supervision can also be an issue, particularly when teachers and students are spending inappropriate amounts of time alone or when concerning signs are ignored.

Ignoring and Dismissing Student Complaints

A common form of institutional negligence is failing to take student complaints seriously. This can take the form of poorly trained personnel failing to follow processes, or even overburdened staff failing to follow up on complaints. In many instances, staff and administrators find it easier to not believe allegations from students. The district failing to respond may further isolate a victim and allow the abuse to continue.

Cover-Ups and Reassignments of Abusers

A more active form of institutional failure is cover-ups and reassignments. Administrators who prioritize the school’s reputation over the safety of its students may attempt to quietly handle the matter internally rather than involve law enforcement. The suspected perpetrator may be pressured to resign or be reassigned. In the worst cases, the administration may even cover for the abuser, minimizing the incidents or retaliating against the victim.

Lack of Mandatory Reporting to Illinois Authorities

The Children’s Justice Task Force Manual for Mandated Reporters states, with regard to complaints of sexual abuse:

“Since the signs of sexual abuse can be uncertain, if a child tells you he/ she is being abused by a caretaker or person responsible for the child’s welfare, report it.”

Failing to report an incident in a timely manner may be a violation of mandatory reporting duties.

Failing to Protect Vulnerable Students

Sexual predators often target students they perceive as vulnerable. These may be students with disabilities or students with troubled home lives. Some abusers find it easier to groom such students. Faculty and staff should be aware of staff who engage in peer-like involvement with vulnerable students.

Prioritizing the School’s Reputation Over Student Safety

The desire to preserve institutional reputation is often a motivating factor when it comes to covering up or minimizing sexual abuse, particularly where school administrators are concerned. Private schools, in particular, may worry about losing enrollees should the school develop a negative reputation.

This tends to be short-sighted behavior, as the negative publicity from an exposed cover-up can cause far worse damage to the institution’s reputation. Defending an institution’s reputation before protecting children is common in many large institutions serving children. For example, such behavior has been commonplace in the Southern Baptist Church and the Catholic Church, and allowed many children to be victimized.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in Illinois’s Schools?

Faith’s Law, named after childhood abuse survivor Faith Colson, updated the definitions of sexual misconduct by Illinois school personnel in 2021. Sexual misconduct includes abuse as defined by Illinois law. Staff is engaging in sexual misconduct with a student if they engage with a student (through any medium or in-person contact) with the intent to:

• • Offer a sexual or romantic invitation
  • Date or solicit a date
  • Engage in sexual or romantic dialogue
  • Make sexually suggestive comments
  • Self-disclose or physically expose oneself in a sexual, romantic, or erotic manner
  • Engage in sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with a student

Peer-to-peer sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual contact, threats, or intimidation. Note that Illinois’s age of consent law does not offer full immunity from prosecution for sexual contact between two individuals under the age of 17, even if they are close in age.

Who Can File an Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

In order to file a civil school sex abuse lawsuit, you must have been a minor at the time of the incident. You must also file a lawsuit while you have the legal right to do so.

Here are some of the criteria for filing a school abuse lawsuit in Illinois:

• The abuse occurred when the plaintiff was a minor.
• The abuser was an adult working at or in association with a school.
• The abuse happened at the school, on school property, or at a school-sponsored event.
• There was forced touching or coercion to engage in sexual exchanges.
• The lawsuit is filed within Illinois’ statute of limitations.

The criteria to file a school abuse lawsuit change frequently. Contact our office to understand current filing criteria.

Can Parents File Sex Abuse Lawsuits on Behalf of a Minor Child in Illinois?

Parents can file sex abuse lawsuits on behalf of their minor children in Illinois. Additionally, the family may be able to recoup damages for their own emotional pain and suffering and any expenses they’ve incurred as a result of their child’s sexual abuse.

What Can Parents Do if Their Child Was Abused at an Illinois School?

Parents can take action to protect their child from sexual abuse at school, whether or not their school district is responding appropriately. For example, parents can directly report the incident to local law enforcement or call the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE). Parents should keep a record of all communications and involve law enforcement.

Parents should be sure to document any details their child is able to provide, including dates, times, and names, as well as their own contact with school officials. Parents should preserve digital evidence if available. For example, save any texts or voice messages your child received from their abuser. They may also want to consult with a lawyer to lay out any specific steps needed to protect their child’s legal rights.

Compensation Available to Illinois School Sexual Abuse Victims

Childhood sexual abuse can have far-reaching effects on a survivor’s life, impacting their quality of life well into adulthood. The types and amount of compensation may vary from case to case, depending on the severity of the abuse and institutional negligence.

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Therapy expenses
• Lost wages or educational opportunities
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages (in cases of severe institutional negligence)

Parents who seek damages from a school are doing so by filing a civil lawsuit. If criminal charges are brought against personnel, that legal proceeding would be conducted by a district attorney. These legal actions occur independently.

How to File an Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Illinois is a process involving multiple steps. An experienced law firm like King Law can help guide you through each step of the process. The steps to filing a lawsuit are:

1. Consult an attorney for a free case evaluation.
2. Hire an attorney experienced in sexual abuse litigation, particularly involving institutions.
3. Work with your attorney to gather evidence and depositions.
4. File the lawsuit within the statute of limitations for Illinois.
5. Resolve the case through litigation, settlement negotiations, or trial.
6. Collect your compensation if a settlement is reached or a court rules in your favor.

What Is the Deadline to File an Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Criminal charges and civil lawsuits need to be filed within a window of time called the statute of limitations. As of 2017, Illinois has no statute of limitations on felony sexual abuse charges, meaning there’s no deadline for prosecution.

Depending on what year the abuse of the minor occurred, Illinois has different laws for how long someone has to file a civil lawsuit (i.e., a personal injury action). In cases of childhood sex abuse, some people may have 20 years from the age of 18 to file a civil lawsuit and others may be able to file one at any time. In some cases, the degree of the abuse may shorten the time someone has to file a claim.

Survivor Look-Back Window in Illinois

The elimination of Illinois’s statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse is not retroactive. That means victims whose statutes of limitations had already expired when the law was passed still cannot file a lawsuit. Illinois is not currently considering a revival window, which would provide a limited opportunity for those survivors to file.

However, Illinois’ discovery rules for child sex abuse may change the deadline for filing a claim. For example, if you only recently learned your health condition was caused by your abuse, you may have more time to file. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney will help you understand your possible options for filing a civil lawsuit as a sexual assault survivor.

Can a Child Sex Abuse Survivor File a Lawsuit as an Adult?

Childhood sexual abuse survivors not only can file lawsuits as adults, but frequently do so. In fact, the median age of disclosure of childhood sexual abuse is 48. This delay in disclosure has led many states to extend the statute of limitations for such cases. Illinois has gone further than most, eliminating the statute of limitations altogether.

Estimated Settlement Amounts in the Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Every school sexual abuse case is unique, which can lead to highly variable settlement amounts. King Law estimates a typical settlement could be between $500,000 and $2 million. Elements that may affect the size of a payout include:

• The severity of the abuse
• The length of the abusive relationship
• The strength of your evidence
• Whether the perpetrator was criminally convicted
• The severity of institutional negligence
• Whether the lawsuit ends in a settlement or a court verdict

King Law Is Accepting Illinois School Sexual Abuse Claims

King Law is actively investigating school-based sexual abuse claims in Illinois. Our firm has decades of experience helping survivors seek justice and closure in the face of institutional negligence. Our partners work on contingency, meaning we do not get paid unless you do.

Contact an Illinois School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

Sexual abuse cases involving institutions are complex processes, often involving events that happened long ago. An experienced attorney can help you confidentially through each stage of the process while being sensitive to the traumatic nature of the case. Contact us today at (585) 496-2648 for a free consultation.

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