NWLC Settles Two Pennsylvania Title IX Lawsuits Alleging Sexual Assault and Dating Violence

The Pennridge School District, the National Women’s Law Center, and DLA Piper LLP (US) have agreed to settle two lawsuits.  These litigation matters involved allegations that the District and former administrators failed to adequately address former students’ reports of sexual harassment—including sexual assault and dating violence—and failed to train school employees on how to properly respond to sexual harassment. See Goodwin v. Pennridge School District, Jacqueline Rattigan and Gina DeBona, Case No. 17-cv-02431 (E.D. Pa.); Jane Doe v. Pennridge School District, Jacqueline Rattigan and Gina DeBona, Case No. 17-cv-3570 (E.D. Pa.).  While the District has denied liability in both cases, the District has worked together with the National Women’s Law Center and DLA Piper LLP (US) to bring resolution to these matters and to ensure that appropriate actions are being taken, including by providing regular education and training on harassment and bullying for staff and students.

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