Suit to Protect Child from Bullying in Local School System
Richards v. Williams County School System (Tennessee) (M.D. Tenn.)
Dallas Richards had stopped attending a public high school in Williamson County, Tennessee because school officials failed to take appropriate steps to protect her from sexual harassment and assault by a male student with a known history of violence and sexual misconduct. Ms. Richards endured several assaults before withdrawing from high school and was psychologically traumatized. The suit was filed against the school district under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in schools that receive federal funds. On May 8, 2015, the Barbara McDowell High Impact Litigation Project client Dallas Richards accepted a $100,000 offer of judgment which covered almost all her claimed damages.