Osseo Area Schools to pay $61,500 over assistant principal’s sexual harassment of 9-year-old

Osseo Area Schools must pay a family $61,500 in a settlement after the Minnesota Department of Human Rights found that the district should have stopped an assistant principal from sexually harassing a then-9-year-old girl.

MDHR said the district violated the state’s civil rights laws by failing to stop the harassment, which took place during the 2021-22 school year.

In addition to the payment, the district must make changes to prevent further sexual harassment and discrimination, write an apology letter, as well as hold a listening session with the girl and her family — something MDHR says is rarely included in a settlement.

According to the Department’s investigation, the assistant principal told the child he couldn’t stop looking at her, went out of his way to interact with her, and inappropriately touched her — specifically by resting his head on the girl’s shoulder. MDHR added that the district had credible reports of sexual harassment from the student’s parents, teachers and other students, but that it “took no meaningful action to stop or prevent the assistant principal from sexually harassing the 9-year-old.”

The girl’s parents ultimately withdrew her from the district.

“What happened was wrong and unjust. School districts should continue to be held accountable when discrimination, harassment, or any misconduct occurs. We are grateful to have received some form of justice in this situation,” the parents said in a statement through MDHR.

MDHR did not provide the name of the assistant principal or the school where the harassment occurred in response to inquiries from 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. However, the agency did say the assistant principal resigned from his position in August 2022.

We reached out to Osseo Area Schools for additional information and a statement regarding the settlement. The district responded, saying, “As always, our foremost priority is a safe and welcoming learning environment for all our students. Since this case in 2021-22, staff trainings and student education have substantially increased. Additionally, our schools have encouraged students, parents/caregivers and staff to reach out with any concerns.”

The district added that no criminal charges were filed in connection to this case.
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