Suit claims girl sexually  assaulted in Gary school

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Updated: February 23, 2012 8:21AM

GARY — The mother of a 14-year-old special education student has sued the Gary school district, claiming her daughter was sexually assaulted by two boys during the showing of a movie at school.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Hammond, alleges the girl was assaulted Sept. 13 after a teacher at the West Side Leadership Academy left his students unattended in a darkened classroom during a 30-minute movie. Court documents say two boys dragged the girl to the back of the classroom, where they partially undressed and fondled her.

School district spokeswoman Sarita Stevens said officials couldn’t comment due to a pending investigation.

The suit names the teacher, the principal and the school board. It seeks unspecified damages.