Family Adding Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit in Abduction-Rape of Phila. Kindergartener
By Molly Daly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The family of the five-year-old girl who was taken from her kindergarten classroom at a Philadelphia elementary school and viciously raped last year plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the school district.
Attorney Thomas Kline, who previously announced plans to sue the school district, says the conduct of the district goes far beyond ordinary negligence.
"There were a number of violations. In particular, there was a failure to train the substitute teacher who allowed this young, innocent child to be taken from the school," Kline said today.
He says that in addition to seeking monetary damages, the family is hoping the federal lawsuit will focus attention on the need for improved security in city schools.
"We hope that the lawsuit will be instructful and helpful to the school district and to parents and to children in promoting safety," he said.
The attorney says the suit will be filed within the next 30 days.
The woman accused of posing as the child's mother, abducting and attacking the little girl, is being held for trial.