In a significant development, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reached a settlement in a lawsuit concerning a former high school dean who was sentenced to prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a student. This was confirmed by officials on Wednesday.

Brian Crowder, who served as the dean at Little Village Lawndale High School, was found guilty of sexual abuse and assault. His conviction led to a 22-year prison sentence, handed down in August.

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The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the student who suffered abuse, has been settled with an agreement of $17.5 million. This settlement marks a crucial step in addressing the repercussions of Crowder’s actions.

On Wednesday evening, Chicago Public Schools issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to student safety and well-being. “Chicago Public Schools (CPS) takes all reports of misconduct seriously, and the District remains committed to the safety and well-being of every student entrusted to our care,” the statement read. While denying any wrongdoing, CPS acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and the impact on the student. The decision to settle was made to avoid the uncertainty and emotional strain of a trial, allowing all parties to move forward.

CPS continues to prioritize creating a secure learning environment and supporting students, staff, and the broader community in the aftermath of this troubling case.

Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley represents the survivor. They released a statement after the verdict was handed down earlier this year, saying, “The guilty verdict against former Chicago Public Schools Dean, Brian Crowder, yesterday evening is a critical step toward justice – not only for our brave client who testified this week, but for every young woman who was targeted, manipulated, and abused by staff within the district.

We are deeply proud of our client’s strength and composure as she courageously testified in open court about the grooming, exploitation and sexual abuse she endured by her Dean which began when she was a 15-year-old student. Her voice – and those of the seven other survivors we represent who were groomed and abused by Little Village Lawndale High School staff – have pierced the silence that allowed this pattern of abuse to persist for far too long.

We are especially grateful to the prosecutors and their team for their tireless, diligent work in pursuing this case and bringing it to trial. Their professionalism and dedication were instrumental in securing justice and ensuring this survivor’s voice was fully heard and believed.

We commend the jury for seeing the truth and holding Mr. Crowder accountable. But this case is about more than one man. It raises urgent questions about institutional failures and the systemic grooming of students by trusted adults within the Chicago Public School system. That’s why we continue to pursue justice on all fronts, including the ongoing civil litigation on behalf of these survivors.

We are committed to ensuring every survivor is heard, and that meaningful reforms are made to protect students from ever facing this kind of betrayal again.”

SEE ALSO | CPS facing sex assault lawsuit from former student, who claims Lawndale High dean raped, groomed her