Former Student Receives $17.5M Settlement from Chicago Schools

A former student of Little Village Lawndale High School in Chicago has reached a historic settlement of $17.5 million with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) following years of sexual abuse by a former administrator. The settlement, believed to be the largest of its kind in Illinois school history, was approved by the Chicago Board of Education on August 30, 2023.

The individual, identified only as “Jane” for privacy reasons, expressed her belief that no monetary amount could erase the pain she experienced but stated that the settlement would allow her to “move on and heal.” During an exclusive interview with NBC 5 Investigates, she shared her relief, saying, “I can move on and heal in peace now and finally turn the page.”

Brian Crowder, the former dean at the school, was convicted this summer of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual assault, receiving a 22-year prison sentence. Jane’s lawsuit against CPS alleged that Crowder sexually abused her when she was underage. According to court records, Crowder manipulated the situation, posing as her stepfather to facilitate two abortions while she was still a student.

The settlement comprises $10 million from the Chicago Board of Education and $7.5 million from the district’s insurance carriers. A spokesperson for CPS stated that while the district denies any wrongdoing, it opted to settle the case to avoid the uncertainty, costs, and emotional strain of a trial. The board unanimously approved the settlement without discussion, adjourning immediately afterward.

Reflecting on her journey, Jane expressed a sense of empowerment, stating, “I would hug myself so hard and say that it was time for me to stick up for me and do the right thing for me and for others.”

The incident raises broader concerns about safety in Illinois schools. Since 2017, at least seven educators from Little Village Lawndale High School have resigned or been terminated amid investigations into sexual misconduct. The Office of Inspector General substantiated several allegations, leading to bans on those educators from working within CPS.

Tania Haigh, a representative of the advocacy group Kids Too, expressed her heartbreak over Jane’s experience and her outrage that such pervasive behavior continues to exist in Illinois schools. “First of all, I am absolutely heartbroken for what this young, young woman had to endure during her high school years and beyond,” she commented.

Bryce Hensley, Jane’s attorney, emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating, “The message that it sends is that children and their safety have to be the district’s number one priority.”

As Jane begins to heal from her traumatic past, this case underscores the critical need for systemic changes to protect students and ensure their safety within educational institutions.