Court dismisses student's suit alleging failure to report sexual abuse
A Connecticut trial court has dismissed a suit by a female student claiming school officials knew of her long term sexual relationship with her basketball coach and failed to report it. The suit alleged former Milford School District Superintendent Greg A. Firn and Jonathan Law High School guidance counselor Suzanne Meyer-Farrell failed to properly report their knowledge of a long-term affair between the student, identified as Jane Doe, and the coach, Robert Dulin. The coach was not named in the lawsuit. However, he is awaiting trial on criminal charges, including sexual assault, stemming from the alleged relationship. The court ruled that the guidance counselor met the requirements of the state mandatory reporting law covering school employees notified of child abuse. It found that Ms. Meyer-Farrell met with the student after hearing rumors about the alleged affair with Mr. Dulin and then notified the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. It also dismissed the claim that Mr. Firn was likewise required by law to report the alleged sexual abuse because superintendents do not have direct supervision of students.
Boston Globe
By Associated Press
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