Pennsylvania School District Pays Settlement Over Harassment Claim

A central Pennsylvania school district has paid more than a half-million dollars to settle a student’s lawsuit involving a teacher acquitted of sexually assaulting her in 2006.

Susquehanna Township School District’s insurance will cover the $600,000 payment for the student’s suit alleging the district retaliated against her for reporting an alleged sexual assault by a former driver education teacher.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reported the settlement Tuesday.

The student sued the district claiming a hostile educational environment and a letter sent by the high school principal asking district employees to donate money to the teacher’s defense.

The district says it’s setting up sexual harassment reporting guidelines and educational programs for students.

The teacher was acquitted by a Dauphin County jury in 2007.