Family Sues Sierra Canyon School Over Alleged Assault in Chatsworth

Family Files Lawsuit in Chatsworth

The family of an 8-year-old girl has filed a lawsuit against Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, alleging that their daughter was sexually assaulted by older students during school hours.

Allegations of "Kissing Club" and Assault

According to the family, the incident occurred when their daughter was 7 years old. They state that the assault took place in the bathrooms of Sierra Canyon School, a private institution that serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The lawsuit alleges that older girls pressured and coerced younger girls into kissing and other forms of sexual assault as part of an activity referred to as a "Kissing Club."

Claims of Inadequate Supervision and Reporting

The lawsuit claims that school faculty did not provide adequate supervision that could have prevented the alleged misconduct. It further alleges that, after school staff became aware of the activity and found video evidence on students' phones, they did not notify the victim's parents and law enforcement in a timely manner. The lawsuit describes this response as a cover-up and asserts that it violated California's mandatory reporting laws.

Family’s Statements and Outcomes Described

The victim's mother stated that she felt hopeless and unable to protect her child, and said her focus is on the systems and safeguards that she believes failed to protect her daughter. The family says that the student they identify as the apparent ringleader of the "Kissing Club" was not expelled from Sierra Canyon School, but no longer attends the school.

Previous Legal Action Noted

The law firm representing the family states that this is the second lawsuit filed against Sierra Canyon School that outlines similar allegations. The school has not released any statement in response to the current lawsuit, according to the information provided.