Parents sue Novi schools alleging child was abused

Novi Community Schools is facing a federal lawsuit that alleges a student was sexually assaulted at Novi Middle School over several months.

In a 43-page complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the parents of a 13-year-old boy are alleging he was sexually abused by another student at the middle school. The school district and four staff members are named in the suit.

The suit charges incidents of sexual abuse occurred on multiple occasions during a special education English Language Arts class, on a virtually daily basis during a special education Math class, and on at least one occasion in another class.

According to the complaint, both students were part of the school's special education program. The 13-year-old plaintiff has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and the alleged abuser suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Unspecified Mood Disorder.

Beginning in September 2013 and continuing until Feb. 26, 2014, the suit alleges intimidation, threats, coercion, grooming, and manipulation, and the perpetrator repeatedly and systematically sexually abused the 13-year-old plaintiff during classes at NMS.

The complaint also charges that parents weren't contacted as they should have been under district policy.

The complaint cites the staff and Novi School district knew about the harassment but did not properly act to protect the victim.

An e-mail sent to Novi Middle School parents from the district superintendent, Dr. Steve Matthews, on Wednesday afternoon stated, "I want to let you know that the media may soon be reporting on a federal lawsuit filed against the district, alleging that a student was assaulted at Novi Middle School over a period of several months."

Matthews said he couldn't be specific on the suit's details.

"Although the Novi Community School District must follow very stringent privacy laws, I want to give you as much information as possible within the law," Matthews said. "At this point, I can only confirm that the lawsuit is pending."

Novi Middle School is made up of 1,056 students in grades seventh and eighth as well as 58 teachers.

In his letter Matthews tried to reassure parents.

"What I can tell you unequivocally is that providing a quality education in a safe learning environment for each and every student is our foremost concern. We consider these allegations serious and are responding accordingly," he said.

He directed anyone who has questions or concerns to contact his office at 248-449-1234.

Lonnie Huhman is a staff reporter for hometownlife.com: lhuhman@hometownlife.com | cell: 517-294-4215; Twitter: @lhuhman