[nfbmi-talk] at last mpas sues someone

[joe harcz Comcast]

Group says Detroit Public School officials hindering assault probe

 

Mark Hicks / The Detroit News

 

The Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service is suing Detroit Public Schools, claiming the district hindered the nonprofit's investigation of a special

education student's alleged sexual assault last year.

 

According to the suit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, the victim's legal guardian filed a complaint with the group in March 2010 alleging the student,

who has a disability, was assaulted by another student at an unnamed DPS school.

 

 

The guardian "had reported numerous previous incidents of assault and bullying" before the incident, the suit said.

 

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When MPAS requested documents related to the alleged assault over the next year, DPS officials did not produce them, attorney Chris Davis said in the suit.

MPAS is charged with the responsibility under federal and state law to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect against people with disabilities

 

The group is calling for a judge to force the release of the records as required by law as well as pay attorney fees.

 

Steve Wasko, a spokesman for DPS, said the district hadn't seen the lawsuit and he couldn't comment on the allegations.

 

"DPS has consistently assisted (MPAS) and will continue to do so in accordance with the law," he said, adding: "The district just recently passed a new

bullying policy and we are focusing on educating student and staff in regard to bullying and harassment."

 

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110405/METRO/104050434/1361/Group-says-Detroit-Public-School-officials-hindering-assault-probe