Florence, S.C. Parent Sues School District Over Alleged Rape of Special Needs Student
Florence, South Carolina – A mother has filed a lawsuit against the local school district and its superintendent, following a report of the alleged rape of her 16-year-old special needs daughter at West Florence High School. The incident reportedly took place on November 8, 2023, as the student was transitioning between classes.
Allegations Made in Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on September 26, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Florence, arises from accusations that the school officials failed to protect the victim, violated multiple state and federal laws, and attempted to conceal the incident. The suit cites 12 violations, including breaches of Title IX, the Federal Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Details in the lawsuit reveal that the girl’s individualized education plan permitted her to leave class early to avoid crowded hallways, an accommodation aimed at minimizing her distress due to her condition. Nevertheless, she was allegedly attacked in a school restroom during this vulnerable time.
Incident Report and Responses
Reports indicate that the alleged assailant, who is a minor and has been identified in court records, was arrested shortly after the incident. He posted a $30,000 bond the next day on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to the arrest warrant, the boy confessed to the crime after being informed of his rights.
In a statement released shortly after the incident, Superintendent Richard O’Malley noted that the school administration and law enforcement were investigating the reported assault but could not share specific details due to privacy laws around student disciplinary matters.
Community and Legal Response
Soon after the case came to light, advocacy groups expressed concerns over the handling of the situation. The Florence branch of the NAACP criticized school leadership for allegedly delaying informing the public about serious incidents affecting student safety. They emphasized the community’s right to be informed promptly regarding the welfare of students.
The lawsuit suggests that the school district failed to report the incident accurately to the South Carolina Department of Education, claiming that zero sexual offenses were recorded for schools in the district during the academic year despite the alleged assault. The attorneys involved argue that this pattern may reflect a broader issue of systemic failure within the district to report violent incidents.
Support for the Victim
The legal complaint highlights the ongoing impact that this alleged assault has had on the victim. It states she has since required counseling, therapy, and medical treatment, including treatment for gonorrhea. Additionally, the suit accuses school officials of attempting to suppress details of the assault from both the community and the media.
West Florence High School Principal Matthew Dowdell reportedly contacted the victim’s mother two weeks after the attack, asking her to request a local news outlet refrain from reporting the incident. This request has raised eyebrows among community advocates and legal representatives.
Next Steps
Florence 1 Schools has not publicly commented on the ongoing lawsuit, particularly due to the district’s fall break. As the situation develops, the implications of this case could garner significant attention regarding the policies and safety measures in place for vulnerable students in the district.
As of now, the school district’s Title IX coordinator has reached out to the victim’s family and initiated a formal investigation, but many in the community are demanding transparency and accountability for how such serious incidents are handled in local schools.
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
