Bellingham Public Schools Settles Lawsuit Over Handling of Student Sexual Harassment Reports

Bellingham Public Schools has settled a lawsuit filed by a family alleging mismanagement of sexual harassment reports concerning their daughter. The complaint, submitted to U. S. District Court in March, detailed several incidents where a 15-year-old student at Options High School was sexually harassed and physically assaulted by a male peer. The family claimed that after informing the assistant principal, the district's actions, which included a no-contact agreement, were insufficient to protect their daughter.

The girl ultimately withdrew from the school, suffering academic losses and a PTSD diagnosis related to her experiences. District spokesperson Dana Smith confirmed the settlement but declined to provide further comment to respect the privacy of those involved. BPS has expressed its dedication to improving its harassment response protocols, indicating a focus on compliance with legal standards. This case underscores the critical need for schools to effectively manage harassment claims and protect student welfare. The ongoing dialogue surrounding school safety and policy reform remains vital in the wake of such incidents.