State Announces Settlement, Lawsuit in 2 sex Assault Cases

The Department Made the Announcement Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced developments in two cases involving the sexual assaults of minors – and adults who allegedly failed to protect them.

The department announced Thursday that it settled a lawsuit with Ramsey County involving the sexual assault of a then-16-year-old lifeguard by her supervisor in 2013. The lifeguard reported the assault to other supervisors, who didn’t act.

The department says Ramsey County violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibiting discrimination because of sex. Under the settlement, the county will work toward preventing sexual assault or harassment and will update policies to ensure incidents are addressed promptly.

The department also sued West Lutheran High School in Plymouth for allegedly permitting the sexual assault and harassment of a student in 2014-2015. The school was closed Thursday afternoon and a voicemail and email weren’t immediately returned.