Feb 3, 2009 10:55 pm US/Central
11-Year-Old Boy Assaulted; Classmates Charged
Accused Attackers Still In Same School With Victim
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (CBS) ―
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Gregory Middle School in Naperville, Ill.
CBS
An 11-year-old Naperville boy says he was sexually assaulted by two of his classmates. The classmates are now facing felony charges. But they are still attending school with the alleged victim. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov has the exclusive story.
"He has to face every day the people that violently sexually assaulted him," the victim's father said.
"It's kind of like we're grieving. We're grieving for his innocence," the victim's mother said.
There is no hiding this couple's outrage. In November, their son was at a friend's house when he says two of his classmates - just 11 and 12 years old themselves - stripped him of his clothes, tied him up and attacked him.
"Evil is among you," the father said. "And what's most shocking is when it's not some dirty, old man - it's his classmates."
All three boys are students at Gregory Middle School in Naperville, and despite being charged with criminal sexual assault and abuse, the alleged offenders still go to school every day with this couple's son.
When asked why they are so angry, the boy's father said, "Because I think there's an expectation that when your children go to school, that every effort will be made to protect them from sex offenders. And I think it's clear that that's not the case."
The boy's parents say they've repeatedly brought their concerns about the potentially hostile learning environment to Indian Prairie District 204 officials, but the only thing they've done is place the boys in separate classrooms. They say school officials tell them there's no district policy allowing for any further action because the alleged attack didn't happen at school.
But according to District 204's rules, there is a policy for threatening or intimidating a staff member off school grounds - and it could result in expulsion.
A District 204 spokesperson wouldn't talk directly to CBS 2, but said in a statement that this is a police matter and they cannot discuss student discipline. But she did say in this matter that all the families involved were contacted and the appropriate action was taken to address and prioritize student safety.
But the boy's parents see nothing appropriate about this.
"The message that's being sent is do what you wish off school grounds, there'll be no penalties or punishments to you," the victim's mother said.
Mark Metzger, District 204's school board president, couldn't talk specifics but said student discipline and actions depend on what the law allows. Metzger says in a matter like this, officials aren't permitted to do anything until the legal proceedings are over.
The victim's parents, though, plan to address a school board meeting on Monday.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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