In 2019, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the Glen Mills Schools, a former reform school in Chester County, Pennsylvania, alleging systemic abuse of students. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of over 800 former students who alleged that they were subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by Glen Mills staff.
The lawsuit alleged that the abuse was widespread and that Glen Mills administrators and staff knew about it but failed to take action to stop it. The lawsuit also alleged that Glen Mills had a culture of violence and secrecy, and that students were threatened with retaliation if they reported abuse.
In January 2023, the Glen Mills Schools and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), which had been overseeing the school, reached a $3 million settlement with the plaintiffs. The settlement will provide compensation to former students for their abuse and will also fund educational programs and services for them.
What kind of abuse did students allege?
The lawsuit alleged that students were subjected to a wide range of abuse, including:
- Physical beatings
- Emotional abuse, such as name-calling, humiliation, and threats
- Sexual abuse
- Forced labor
- Inadequate medical care
Why did the lawsuit take so long?
The lawsuit was delayed for several reasons. First, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services revoked Glen Mills’ license in 2019, and the school closed shortly thereafter. This made it difficult for lawyers to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Second, the statute of limitations for filing child abuse lawsuits in Pennsylvania is seven years. This meant that many of the former students who wanted to sue Glen Mills were barred from doing so because their abuse occurred more than seven years ago.
What does the settlement mean for former students?
The settlement is a significant victory for former Glen Mills students. It provides them with financial compensation for their abuse and will also fund educational programs and services for them. The settlement also sends a message that abuse of children will not be tolerated.
What can you do if you were abused at Glen Mills?
If you were abused at Glen Mills, you may be eligible to file a claim under the settlement. To learn more, you can visit the Education Fund for Former Glen Mills Students website.
FAQs
- What is the Glen Mills lawsuit about?
The Glen Mills lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit filed against the Glen Mills Schools, a former reform school in Chester County, Pennsylvania, alleging systemic abuse of students.
- Who filed the lawsuit?
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of over 800 former students who alleged that they were subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by Glen Mills staff.
- What kind of abuse are the plaintiffs alleging?
The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to a wide range of abuse, including physical beatings, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, forced labor, and inadequate medical care.
- What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
The Glen Mills Schools and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) reached a $3 million settlement with the plaintiffs in January 2023.
- What does the settlement mean for former students?
The settlement provides compensation to former students for their abuse and will also fund educational programs and services for them.
- How can former students learn more about the settlement?
Former students can learn more about the settlement by visiting the Education Fund for Former Glen Mills Students website.
Conclusion
The Glen Mills lawsuit is a significant victory for former students who were abused at the school. The settlement provides them with financial compensation and will also fund educational programs and services for them. The settlement also sends a message that abuse of children will not be tolerated.
