Partner Mark Thomsen of Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs Lawyers filed a civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against Milwaukee County and former Milwaukee County sheriff’s deputy Joel Striecher for the high-speed collision that claimed the life of community activist Ceasar Stinson.

On January 25, 2020, Streicher was on duty traveling northbound on North 10th street in a sheriff’s SUV when he ran a red light and struck Stinson, who was traveling westbound with the right-of-way on West State Street. Streicher was incorrectly driving in a right turn lane and his brake lights never came on prior to impact.

The impact of the crash caused Stinson’s vehicle to rotate 180 degrees and roll onto the driver’s side. The Milwaukee Fire Department declared Stinson deceased at the scene.

In May of 2020, Streicher was charged with a felony and pled guilty. He was sentenced to six months in jail. However, it recently came to light that Streicher was fitted for a GPS monitor and placed on the Electronic Monitoring Program at home.

Stinson’s surviving family members, including his wife Chipo and daughter Cearra, were under the impression that Streicher would serve his sentence in custody.

Attorney Thomsen seeks relief for Chipo and Cearra Stinson for the reckless actions of Streicher as a violation of Ceasar’s due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment and for wrongful death, punitive damages and loss of companionship.

Under Section 1983, an individual has the right to sue state government employees and others acting “under color of state law” for civil rights violations. It is clearly established that when a law enforcement officer engages in criminal conduct which results in bodily injury or death, the plaintiff’s right of recovery is governed by federal law.

“I am honored to have been able to accompany Chipo and Cearra through the criminal justice system to get Streicher convicted, and it is now time to obtain full civil justice for the Ceasar Stinson family,” said Mark Thomsen.

Read the full lawsuit here.

Current News Coverage:

https://www.wisn.com/article/jail-policy-granting-convicted-killer-gps-privileges-remains-unchanged/37296856

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2021/07/29/stinson-family-files-wrongful-death-lawsuit-against-milwaukee-county/5420906001/

https://www.cbs58.com/news/deputy-who-caused-fatal-crash-was-serving-sentence-at-home

https://www.wisn.com/article/former-deputy-in-deadly-crash-got-gps-monitor-75-minutes-into-6-month-sentence/37160669

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/07/23/judge-ordered-jail-but-former-deputy-fatal-crash-home-mps-milwaukee-ceasar-stinson/8069404002/

More than three years after being wrongfully tased and unlawfully arrested by Milwaukee police officers, former Milwaukee Bucks guard Sterling Brown’s settlement agreement implements anti-racist policing policy for the city’s police force.

The Milwaukee Common Council voted to authorize this historic $750,000 settlement in the civil rights lawsuit filed by Brown and Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs partner Mark Thomsen.

As part of the settlement, the city of Milwaukee promised to modify its police department standard operating procedures, including the following changes that have been taken or will be taken:

  • The city will prepare revised operating procedures embracing a policy of anti-racism and make sure they’re submitted to the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission for final approval.
  • The city and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) commit to implementing a “discipline matrix” to “ensure meaningful, certain, and reasonable consequences for violations of MPD Standard Operating Procedures.”
  • The officer who initiated the incident with Brown has been removed from patrol duty.
  • The city will rescind its claim in court records that Brown’s injuries were caused by his own actions.
  • Milwaukee Police Department has used the body camera video of the incident to train its officers on ways to better communicate with the public in order to avoid unnecessarily escalating situations.
  • The police department will work with Brown on education and outreach projects to improve communication and understanding between the police and the community.

While the settlement did not admit a violation of Brown’s constitutional rights, it did issue a formal apology.

“The city of Milwaukee and MPD apologize for the encounter and actions between Mr. Brown and MPD officers on January 26, 2018,” a joint statement reads. “The city further recognizes that the incident escalated in an unnecessary manner and despite Mr. Brown’s calm behavior.”

“Sterling Brown’s goal of implementing anti-racist policing policies that protect all human beings confronted by MPD officers in the future has been accomplished,” said Mark Thomsen. “The creation of a discipline matrix for violations of the anti-racist policing policies is designed to discipline bad officer conduct and allow the city’s many good officers to do their job of protecting human rights.”

On January 26, 2018, police officers doing a business check at a Walgreens around 2 a.m. noticed a vehicle parked across two handicap spaces. While questioning Brown for the parking violation, the officers unlawfully tased and arrested him.

After an internal review, which included body camera footage, several officers were disciplined and required to undergo remedial training. However, Brown was not offered a formal apology from the Milwaukee Police Department.

In September of 2019, the city of Milwaukee proposed a $400,000 settlement that did not include anti-racist policing policy changes. Brown refused this “settlement” and vowed to continue fighting for justice for the community.

From the beginning, Sterling Brown hoped justice in this case would take on a larger meaning and give “a voice to the voiceless.” Following the incident, Brown and his brother, Shannon Brown, started the S.A.L.U.T.E. Foundation to mentor under-served youth on the basketball court and educate them about interactions with police.

The law firm of Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs has been honored to accompany and fight for Mr. Brown in his pursuit of racial justice and looks ahead to improvements that will be made in the city of Milwaukee’s police department.

The entire firm remains proud to be part of cases that cultivate conversations around civil rights issues and spark meaningful change in our communities, both in the state of Wisconsin and across the country.

Hear from GTW partner Mark Thomsen as he reacts to today’s historic $750,000 settlement approval.

Current News Coverage:

Partner Bob Gingras and attorney Scott Thompson of Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs Lawyers settled a lawsuit in the Western District of Wisconsin on behalf of our client for $167,000.

Our client alleged in her complaint that her employer violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment. The facts of the case resonate with the #MeToo movement.

Our client was fired after she reported a coworker for sending her an unsolicited picture of his penis.

Our client first began working for her employer in March of 2012. Throughout her tenure, she maintained a glowing employee record and received regular performance-based raises and bonuses.

The trouble began in September of 2017 when a coworker began sending her inappropriate text messages. Our client reported these text messages to management, yet the employer never disciplined the coworker for this behavior.

In May 2018, the same coworker texted our client a string of photos documenting damage of a vehicle at work. In the middle of these pictures, the coworker inserted a picture of his penis.

Our client was disgusted and deeply violated by this behavior. So, she did what company policy instructed her to do — she reported it to her supervisor. Regardless of the policy, her supervisor laughed her off.

As a result, our client was very upset and reported the sexual harassment up the chain of command to a company executive, the former Vice President of Safety. In an email, the executive stated that this created “a hostile work environment.”

Regardless, the onus of handling this harassment fell to its victim, our client. The company left her the responsibility of interviewing her harasser. She met with the executive and the man who had sent her a picture of his penis. The company instructed our client to record the conversation.

To our client’s credit, she did as she was instructed. She stood up for herself and confronted the coworker about how harmful and inappropriate his behavior was. She recorded the entire conversation.

Our client delivered the recording of the conversation to the company’s then Vice President of Human Resources. Later that day, the same vice president told our client that she needed to attend a meeting to “wrap up the situation.” However, at the outset of the meeting the employer terminated our client’s employment.

Although our client was terminated, the coworker faced little to no repercussions from the employer. He was not disciplined, and the employer made no mention of the sexual harassment on his annual performance evaluation. In fact, he remained on staff, even transporting children to school on occasion.

While devastated by the employer’s retaliatory behavior, our client never backed down. She filed her lawsuit on November 8, 2019 and refused to settle until the eve of trial.

“Our client is a hero. She faced a deeply unsettling workplace situation and responded with grace and strength,” said Scott Thompson. “She stood up for herself, she stood up for what was right, and it paid off. Working with her inspired me, and I hope her story will inspire others to stand up for themselves in the future.”

The Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs team stood with their client as she fought for justice in the court system.

Bucks Guard Sterling Brown Authorizes GTW Partner Mark Thomsen to Sign Historic Settlement in Civil Rights Lawsuit with the City of Milwaukee

Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs partner Mark Thomsen, on behalf of Milwaukee Bucks guard Sterling Brown, signed a settlement agreement with the City of Milwaukee. The City will admit to violating Brown’s constitutional rights and incorporate changes to its police department standard operating procedures.

Brown filed the civil rights lawsuit following a January 2018 incident in which he was unlawfully attacked, tased and arrested for parking illegally – despite no resistance or posed threat.

According to Milwaukee police, officers doing a business check at a Walgreens around 2 a.m. noticed a parked vehicle across two handicap spaces. Brown was being questioned for the parking violation when police officers tased and arrested him. After an internal review, which included watching the body camera footage, several officers were disciplined and required to undergo remedial training.

In September of 2019, the City of Milwaukee offered a $400,000 settlement that did not include an admission of liability. Brown refused this settlement and vowed to continue fighting for much-needed community progress.

Mark Thomsen and the City Attorney of Milwaukee filed a joint status report update in federal court on November 6, 2020 regarding the settlement details, but the City Attorney does not become authorized to sign the agreement until the Common Council next meets.

The law firm of Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs has been honored to accompany Mr. Brown in his pursuit of racial justice and looks ahead to improvements that will be made in the City of Milwaukee’s police department. There will be no comment from GTW or Mark L. Thomsen at this time.

Read the official statement from the Milwaukee Bucks:

Current News Coverage:

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2020/11/09/sterling-brown-police-civil-rights-lawsuit-settlement-offered-milwaukee-bucks/6219866002/

https://madison.com/wsj/sports/basketball/professional/revised-settlement-recommended-over-arrest-of-bucks-guard-sterling-brown/article_b8dbfcd9-ed37-5b1c-87e5-93557be63abe.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/us/sterling-brown-nba-settlement.html”>https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/us/sterling-brown-nba-settlement.html

Letter From The City Attorney

Joint Status Update

Attorneys Mark Thomsen and Paul Kinne of Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs Lawyers have filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Wisconsin against the Baraboo School District (BSD) for actions violating Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The case arises from the school district’s deliberate indifference and failure to respond to multiple instances of racial harassment and discrimination aimed at a particular student, as well as reported student-on-student sexual assaults on school premises.

“This case is about doing the right thing, even when doing the right thing is hard,” said Paul Kinne. “Good people can’t be afraid to confront racism. Good people must fight against it, even when the easier thing to do would be to ignore it and hopes it disappears. Baraboo has a history of standing up for what is right. Dasia Banks counts on that history of bravery in Baraboo when she seeks justice not only for herself, but for others like her.”

When confronted with evidence of harassment and discrimination, the school district repeatedly denied any systemic issues and instead insinuated that the complaining student was the problem.

Specific evidence of the harassment and discrimination included use of racially insensitive language, threatening letters, lack of punishment for wearing clothing featuring the Confederate flag and even physical assault.

In addition, the lawsuit states that a former teacher at BSD knew a male student was groping Banks and another female student in class, but did nothing to stop it.

“When a teacher knows that a male student is assaulting female students, particularly right in the classroom, this conduct cannot be ignored or dismissed. Banks deserves justice for the BSD’s failure to take prompt action.”

Gingras, Thomsen and Wachs Lawyers remain committed to correcting injustice through its work. Our compassionate team brings the necessary fight, passion, and dedication against all civil rights misconduct. We look forward to assisting our client at every step in the case to protect the freedoms that have been denied to this point.

Read the full complaint here.

UPDATE: Sunday, January 26th is the two-year anniversary of the arrest and tasing of Milwaukee Bucks guard Sterling Brown.

Brown sued the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Police Department in June 2018, and his lawyer Mark Thomsen said they’re hoping to see a new settlement offer in the coming weeks.

“If the case is going to settle, it’s going to settle in the next two weeks, and if it doesn’t settle in the next two weeks, we’re going to go right back to taking depositions, including the (police) chief,” Thomsen said.

Read more about this case here.


Watch the full press conference below for the latest updates on Mr. Brown’s case.


UPDATE: On Tuesday, October 8th, Mr. Sterling Brown and Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs Lawyers filed paperwork to strike the Milwaukee Common Council’s settlement offer of $400,000, referencing the deposition of Milwaukee Police Officer, Erik Andrade.

“Mr. Brown deserves more than a mere apology,” said GTW attorney, Mark Thomsen. “He, as any human being, citizen of the USA, is entitled to an express vindication that his constitutional rights have been violated. He is entitled to no less.”

There will be a press conference on Thursday, October 10th at 10:30 a.m. at Milwaukee City Hall where more details will be discussed.


UPDATE: On Wednesday, September 4th, a $400,000 settlement was offered to Sterling Brown to settle his lawsuit against the Milwaukee Police Department. GTW attorney, Mark Thomsen, said Mr. Brown’s fight for justice isn’t just about money, but rather the City of Milwaukee admitting to their wrongdoing.

“Until we see the terms of it, we won’t be able to address the specifics,” said Mark Thomsen, Brown’s attorney.

See the full recap below.

 

UPDATE: Today, May 31, 2019, Mark Thomsen, attorney at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, gave a press conference on behalf of Mr. Sterling Brown in regards to his lawsuit filed in 2018.

“I can only say on behalf of Mr. Brown that we are waiting to see whatever this offer is if in fact the resolution is taken up by the city council,” said Mark Thomsen.

There is a representation of $400,000, but it is unknown what that amount includes.


UPDATE: In an interview in TODAY’S TMJ4 News at 6pm, GCW Attorney Mark Thomsen continues to speak out against the city’s response saying Mr. Brown was “treated less than human” by the Milwaukee police. He believes the encounter didn’t have to end like it did and that the city needs to do more, and not just for Sterling Brown. “If you don’t name the problem or identify it, you can’t fix it,” says Mark Thomsen. “And if you continue to bury it, you promote it.”

“To my friends and fellow citizens that say Mr. Brown should have done more,” says Mark Thomsen, “Look into your mind and your heart.”


 

UPDATE: In an interview with Shannon Sims from TODAY’S TMJ4, Mr. Brown stated that he had yet to receive a formal apology from the Milwaukee Police Department for tasing him on January 26, 2018 after parking in a handicapped-accessible spot. At this time it is unknown whether or not Mr. Brown will receive an apology.

Since the incident has happened over a year ago, Mr. Brown has revealed how he has been able to move forward since that day. “Basketball has helped me a lot,” Sterling Brown said. “It helped me keep my mind focused on something … I wasn’t able to just drift away and dwell in what happened and let it eat me up.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: After a long testimony on December 19th, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Department sustained the decision to fire police officer Erik Andrade, after the controversial arrest of Sterling Brown back in January.

GCW attorney, Mark Thomsen, was pleased with the FPC’s decision, however, he believes more needs to be done.

“That type of racist conduct is unacceptable. Until they change their legal position and admit that this was a racist attack, we’re not going to get very far,” said Thomsen.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sterling Brown

UPDATE: A telephone conference hearing was scheduled for November 21 with Sterling Brown’s attorney, GCW’s Mark Thomsen, and Eastern District of Wisconsin magistrate judge David E. Jones. During this hearing a potential trial date would be set for Mr. Brown’s lawsuit against the city of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).

On August 25, the city of Milwaukee and MPD took no blame in the arrest and stated that it was Mr. Brown who was entirely at fault. “Mr. Brown remains willing to work with the city to try to resolve this lawsuit in an amicable fashion,” said Mark Thomsen.

In an interview on November 8, Mr. Brown stated that he has been getting a lot of support from “notable” people throughout the NBA and he is remaining positive.

Thomsen said Mr. Brown would not be on the conference call and would not be making any further comment until the city of Milwaukee moved forward.

Meanwhile, Mr. Brown teamed up with his brother, former NBA guard Shannon Brown, to introduce a new charity foundation called S.A.L.U.T.E. (Sacrifice, Ambition, Loyalty, Unlimited, Truth & Education).

“Our foundation embodies things that should be instilled in the youth so they could lead successful lives,” said Sterling Brown. “We want them to do something for their lives to help them get out of the ‘hood and unfortunate situations.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: New body cam footage has been released from the night of Sterling Brown’s arrest, showing clear shots of a police officer using a Taser on him. The new video shows police pinning Mr. Brown to the ground and the Taser bar stuck to his lower back.

“If my city is serious about apologizing, addressing race relations, then they have to be sensitive of how they release documents,” said GCW attorney Mark Thomsen.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

On Tuesday, August 28th, GCW Attorney Mark Thomsen held a press conference, addressing the court document filed by Milwaukee City Attorney, Grant Langley, at 11:55 p.m. Friday, August 24th. This answer is in response to Sterling Brown’s civil rights lawsuit.

Mr. Brown’s federal lawsuit was filed Tuesday, June 19th, against the city of Milwaukee and its police department for the unlawful arrest and use of excessive force on Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown.

The city’s response to Mr. Brown’s lawsuit stated, “The injuries and damages sustained by the plaintiff, if any, were caused in whole or in part by their own acts or omissions.” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett did not have the chance to review the answer before it was filed by City Attorney, Grant Langley, but was surprised by the response.

Mr. Brown wants the city to admit the incident was an unlawful racial stop and is committed to making a change within the community.

“The city [Milwaukee] must admit that this was a violation of his [Mr. Brown] constitutional rights… that is the starting point of any meaningful discussions,” said Thomsen.

With cases like this, GCW has worked hard to bring the story forward and cultivate conversations around civil rights issues.

Watch the video below for a viewing of the press conference held on Tuesday, August 28th.

Brenda Wesley Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP Lawsuit

Brenda Wesley, a member of the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, is suing the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, correctional officials, medical personnel and insurance companies on behalf of her son, Omar Wesley, over their alleged failure to provide him with needed mental illness medication during his time at the County Jail. 

GTW’s Mark Thomsen and Brenda Wesley filed a federal lawsuit last month. “It’s unconscionable that the people that are charged — in fact, paid — to provide the care so blatantly disregarded his rights and his need for medicine,” Thomsen said. “It is just frankly unbelievable that this was allowed to happen.” 

Omar Wesley suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, among other symptoms. To treat his schizoaffective disorder, he was prescribed clozapine, an antipsychotic medication viewed as a last resort for individuals suffering from symptoms of the disorder. During his stay in county facilities, Omar Wesley’s prescription wasn’t refilled, and Wesley’s delusions and symptoms of mental illness increased. When he finally took the clozapine, he “became severely ill.” Because of the bad reaction, Wesley did not take his medication the next day, but he resumed taking clozapine in the days that followed. County officials arrested Wesley for missing doses of his medication. He was taken to the County Jail, where he was eventually placed in solitary confinement and where officials prohibited him from keeping or taking his doses of clozapine from July 14-20, 2016.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP’ Mark Thomsen also represented the family of Terrill Thomas, a man who suffered from mental illness and died of dehydration in his jail cell in 2016 after his water supply was turned off. In addition, he recently helped the family of Adam Trammell get justice for the repeated tasing of their son before his death in May 2017. 

Mark Thomsen fights for family wrongful death case

 

UPDATE: The Village of West Milwaukee and the family of Adam Trammell have come to a settlement in their federal civil rights lawsuit. The Village has agreed to pay $2.5 million to the Trammell family for the repeated tasing of their son before his death in May 2017. Larry and Kathleen Trammell, parents of Adam, plan to use the settlement funds to build a church where families with mentally ill children will be welcomed and loved. Attorney Robin Shellow of The Shellow Group and Attorney Mark Thomsen of Gingras, Cates & Wachs represent the Estate of Adam Trammell.


UPDATE: A federal civil rights suit has been filed.


Adam Trammell was in the shower when two West Milwaukee police officers broke down his door and tased him as many as 18 times. The 22-year-old died soon after. However, Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm has decided not to file criminal charges against the officers. “This is a nightmare. I can’t believe this,” said Larry Trammell, Adam’s father, who is devastated by the death.

GTW’s Mark Thomsen is working with the family to file a civil suit. “He was naked in the bathtub. He had no weapon,” Thomsen said. “There is no reason in any situation that a young African-American male suffering from mental illness should be shot [with a Taser] 15-18 times and then die.” No one is ever prepared for a situation like this and GTW is dedicated to helping families seek the justice they deserve.

 

Robin Anderson

UPDATE: The city of Glendale has reached a $100,000 lawsuit settlement with Robin Anderson, who was wrongfully arrested by Glendale police while sitting in her car before a job interview at the Bayshore Town Center Applebee’s in 2017.

Glendale Police said it was a case of mistaken identity, and apologized in a statement saying “The City of Glendale Police Department understands that the incident was emotionally traumatic for Ms. Anderson, and she has our heartfelt sympathy and regrets she had to experience this ordeal. We wish her all the best and success in all her future endeavors”.


On December 20, 2017, Robin Anderson was arrested at gunpoint in what police now say was a case of mistaken identity. Anderson has filed a lawsuit against the City of Glendale and several police officers, claiming she was racially profiled.

Glendale police had been investigating a series of robberies at cell phone stores in the area during this time. Anderson had arrived early for a job interview at a nearby restaurant and was waiting in her car at Bayshore Town Center when a Glendale police squad car smashed into her driver’s side door. Officers smashed in the passenger window, pointed their guns and ordered her to climb out of the vehicle, where she was then handcuffed.

Officers told Anderson they were looking for four black males that were wanted in the string of robberies in surrounding cities. However, the lawsuit alleges the suspects and Anderson had nothing in common. They had different car models, license plate numbers, and she was a woman alone in her vehicle.

“The only thing in common with these four alleged black men and Robin Anderson is that they’re all African American,” said GCW attorney, Mark Thomsen.

“Before this situation, I had no reason to fear or hate police officers. None. But seeing a police officer strike fear in me that I can’t even describe… seeing one makes my heart drop, I start to shake, it’s like I’m having a panic attack,” said Anderson.

Anderson’s lawsuit says she is still “experiencing unnecessary and physical pain and severe emotional pain, distress, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, property damage, and continues to be damaged.”

Dana Wachs

On Monday, April 15th 2019, Governor Evers announced appointments to the Governor’s Judicial Selection Advisory Committee. Members of this committee are responsible for assisting in interviews and candidate recommendations for the governor when he is filling judicial vacancies.

“Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of an independent judiciary that respects and preserves our state’s Constitution,” said Gov. Evers. “By tapping into the experience of attorneys from around the state, this committee will help ensure that we appoint judges who are knowledgeable, thoughtful, and fair.”

We congratulate GCW attorney, Dana Wachs, as he has been selected as a member of this committee by Governor Evers! Dana has practiced law in western Wisconsin with his primary cases being complex civil litigation matters and, for six years, represented Eau Claire in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Congratulations!

Sexual Harrassment

On March 4, 2019, Paul Kinne, Attorney at Gingras, Cates & Wachs, filed a lawsuit against the University of Wisconsin-Madison for Title IX violations, on behalf of Jane Doe, an underage minor, who was participating in the Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) program through the university and was repeatedly sexually harassed by another PEOPLE student. The University allegedly failed to respond to multiple reported student-on-student assaults that occurred under the supervision of the program that made Doe more vulnerable to the attacks.

The complaint states that in 2017, the PEOPLE personnel were made aware of an underage student, “M”, who was displaying inappropraite sexual behaviors towards female students. But, UW-Madison failed to act and M returned to the program the following year. 

That next summer, on June 11, 2018, a female PEOPLE Program student reported that M had tried to hold her hand and whispered sexual comments in her ear. The school did not respond to her complaint.

On June 23, 2018, the PEOPLE participants were taken swimming at a Madison pool under the supervision of program staff. While swimming, “M” repeatedly groped and touched Doe’s bottom. Again, the sexual harassment was reported but not addressed.

There was another incident in June 2018 when M came into Doe’s room while she was sitting on her bed and mounted her. M pinned Doe’s back to the bed and straddled her for over a minute before getting up. Only after this incident was reported did the PEOPLE program respond to Doe’s sexual harassment complaint. M was suspended and sent home.

The lawsuit claims that it was UW Madison’s deliberate indifference to the pattern of attacks that made Doe vulnerable and allowed the harassment to continue. As a result, Doe was deprived of the program’s educational benefits and has suffered severe permanent psychological and emotional harm.

“Institutions entrusted with our children should not ignore any allegations of sexual misconduct.  Prompt action is necessary, or the behavior continues.  Doe is seeking justice for herself, but she is also taking action to send the message that institutions must take complaints of assault seriously, for the sake of everyone,” said GCW Attorney, Paul Kinne.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP is working to seek justice for this female student and to prevent this from happening again.

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