Jane Doe : “Chicago Public Schools Settle Sex Abuse Lawsuit for $800k”

CHICAGO (CBS) – The Chicago Public Schools have reached a settlement in a 2019 civil case filed by a former student known as Jane Doe against the Board of Education and former Gurdon S. Hubbard High School teacher Walter Glascoff. The settlement amount agreed upon for Doe is $800,000. Doe recently spoke exclusively with CBS 2 about her high school experience from 20 years ago, just as her case was set to go to trial.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Doe shared, “I still have nightmares almost every night.” She bravely spoke out about the abuse she endured at the hands of Glascoff, stating, “He made me feel like I was a bad person if I didn’t care about him.”

The case took a controversial turn when a CPS-paid defense expert witness, Dr. Prudence Gourguechon, a licensed psychiatrist in Illinois, testified in a deposition that not all cases of sexual abuse are traumatic and questioned the authority dynamics between teachers and students.

In response to Dr. Gourguechon’s testimony, lawmakers in Springfield have rallied for change. Representatives from both sides of the aisle have voiced their concerns, with calls for stronger protections for students and survivors of sexual abuse in K-12 schools.

Calls for Change

Rep. Steven Reick (R-Woodstock) expressed, “Why aren’t we listening to the children who are being raped?” Meanwhile, Rep. Curtis Tarver II (D-Chicago) and Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) emphasized the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of students.

In response to the case and the expert witness’s controversial statements, lawmakers introduced HB222, a bill aimed at providing clearer legal protections for sexual abuse survivors in civil lawsuits. The bill also seeks to prevent defendants from shifting blame onto survivors.

Rep. Tarver has demanded the dismissal of CPS General Counsel Ruchi Verma, calling on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to take action. The bill is expected to garner significant support in the House, with lawmakers advocating for greater accountability and protection for survivors.

In a statement to CBS 2, CPS emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of students, acknowledging the traumatic impact of sexual abuse. The District also defended its legal strategies during the litigation, stating that efforts were made to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

As the case concludes and discussions surrounding student safety continue, the need for comprehensive legislative measures to protect students from sexual abuse remains a pressing issue for lawmakers and advocates alike.