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.
