Former Student Finds Closure in $17.5M Settlement with CPS

A former student who suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of a school administrator has reached a significant settlement of $17.5 million with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This agreement, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in Illinois school history, offers her a path toward healing after a traumatic experience that began during her high school years.

In an exclusive interview with NBC 5 Investigates, the woman, referred to as “Jane,” expressed that while no financial compensation could fully alleviate her pain, the settlement enables her to “move on and heal in peace.” Jane, now in her twenties, alleged that Brian Crowder, her former dean at Little Village Lawndale High School, sexually abused her when she was underage. Crowder was convicted of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual assault earlier this year and received a sentence of 22 years in prison.

The settlement, approved by the Chicago Board of Education on March 15, 2023, includes a payment of $10 million from the board itself, with an additional $7.5 million covered by the district’s insurance carriers. A CPS spokesperson stated that the district “denies wrongdoing” but opted to settle the case to avoid “uncertainty, cost and the emotional toll” associated with a trial. The board approved the settlement without discussion, adjourning immediately afterward.

In her remarks, Jane highlighted the importance of taking a stand for herself and others who have experienced similar abuses. “I would hug myself so hard and I would say that it was time for me to stick up for me and do the right thing for me and for others,” she said. Jane’s ordeal began with a Snapchat message that escalated into a sexual relationship with Crowder. She reported her abuse to another teacher, but her complaints went unaddressed.

Court records reveal that Crowder posed as Jane’s stepfather to facilitate two abortions during her time at the school. A third abortion occurred after she graduated. Investigations have uncovered systemic issues at Little Village Lawndale High School, where at least seven educators have either resigned or been terminated since 2017 while under investigation for sexual misconduct. The Office of the Inspector General has substantiated many of these allegations, resulting in bans from working within CPS.

Bryce Hensley, Jane’s attorney, emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating, “The message that it sends is that children and their safety have to be the district’s number one priority.” Meanwhile, Tania Haigh, a representative from the advocacy group Kids Too, expressed her heartbreak over Jane’s experiences and criticized the ongoing prevalence of such behavior in Illinois schools.

The settlement not only provides financial support for Jane but also serves as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in protecting students within educational institutions.