Lawsuit Alleges Brunswick School Officials Ignored Student Sexual Assault

Complaint claims school failed to protect disabled student from repeated attacks by another student

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a wheelchair wheel against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the crime of a disabled student being assaulted.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the tools of a crime against a vulnerable student, exposing the school's failure to protect.Leland Today

A lawsuit has been filed against Brunswick County Schools, alleging that school officials failed to protect a disabled student from repeated physical and sexual assaults by another student at Leland Middle School during the 2023-2024 school year. The complaint claims that despite reports of the incidents, school staff continued to assign the perpetrator to assist the victim, leading to further attacks. The victim's academic performance suffered, and she has since been homeschooled due to the severe emotional distress.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about school districts' duty to provide a safe environment for all students, especially those with special needs. The allegations of negligence and failure to act on reported assaults raise questions about accountability and the school system's response to incidents of student-on-student violence and abuse.

The details

According to the complaint, the 12-year-old victim, who is wheelchair-bound, nonverbal, and mentally disabled, was physically and sexually assaulted by a fellow student multiple times during the school year. A former teaching assistant reportedly witnessed the initial assault on September 14, 2023, where the perpetrator pushed the victim's wheelchair into a wall and inappropriately touched her. Despite this incident being reported to various school officials, the perpetrator was allegedly allowed to continue assisting the victim, leading to approximately five more assaults. The victim's mother was not informed of the incidents until October 31, 2023, when another parent told her. The school administration reportedly refused to separate the victim from the perpetrator, and no criminal complaint was filed.

  • The first assault is believed to have taken place at Leland Middle School during school hours on September 14, 2023.
  • The victim's mother was informed of the ongoing physical and sexual assaults on October 31, 2023.

The players

Jane Doe

The 12-year-old victim, who is wheelchair-bound, nonverbal, and mentally disabled.

Brunswick County Schools

The school district named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to protect the victim and address the reported assaults.

Leland Middle School

The school where the reported assaults took place.

Robert O. Jenkins

The attorney from Lanier Law Group P.A. who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the victim.

Ben Strauss

The Brunswick County Schools Communications Coordinator who declined to comment on the active litigation.

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What they’re saying

“This is an active litigation matter and it involves confidential student information. Therefore, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”

— Ben Strauss, Brunswick County Schools Communications Coordinator

What’s next

The judge will determine if the case can proceed, and if so, a jury will decide the appropriate relief for the victim.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of school districts ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, especially those with special needs. The allegations of negligence and failure to act on reported assaults raise serious concerns about accountability and the need for stronger policies and procedures to protect vulnerable students from harm.