Cedar Creek School in Ruston is facing a lawsuit over allegations of bullying and sexual battery that took place at school. 

According to the lawsuit, the child, referred to as “Paul,” was sexually battered and bullied on numerous occasions between September 2020 and May 13, 2021. 

The lawsuit alleges that on May 13, other students organized an event called “Hell Day.” On this day, students were encouraged to bully Paul at least once during the day. 

Before this however, Paul was verbally and physically assaulted and sexually battered weekly. 

The claims concerning sexual battery involve the defendants using an Eiffel Tower statue that was classroom decoration penetrate the student’s anal cavity. Allegedly, similar acts happened almost weekly. 

The plaintiffs’ petition also mentions an instance where such sexual battery was captured on video and used as part of a class presentation, according to the News Star.

Teachers and administration were aware of some of it but failed to report it to the Cedar Creek Board of Directors or do anything to stop it, according to allegations in the lawsuit.

 On May 13 Paul’s parents notified the Board of Directors and the board said they would take “immediate action.” 

According to a statement made by the school, a retired police officer was hired to investigate the accusations and five students were expelled in response. 

However, Cedar Creek’s head of school Andrew Yepson said the school denies all allegations made in the lawsuit. 

The school’s statement also said, “There is no evidence of any kind that the plaintiff’s anal cavity or rectum was ever penetrated.” 

In response to the plaintiffs’ description of the  class presentation video where Paul was assaulted on camera, the school published what they say to be the video onto YouTube and said it does not show sexual battery. 

Additionally, their statement included photos and measurements of the Eiffel Tower statue and claimed the object was too large for penetration because medical attention would have been necessary.

The board has also requested everyone to stop the spread of rumors and misinformation. 

Cedar Creek is still determining how they will proceed as they are debating filing a counter lawsuit for libel and defamation, according to a statement made by the school.

However, many people are openly condemning how they are handling the situation. 

They are questioning why a private investigator was called instead of the police in such a serious situation, according to the News Star.

While lawsuits like this are rare, similar incidents occur on school campuses—even college campuses. 

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, among undergraduate students, about 26% of women 7% of men experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence or incapacitation.

These statistics and incidents like the ones described in the Cedar Creek lawsuit are the some of the reasons public and private universities must abide by Title IX laws. 

According to the Department of Justice, Title IX laws protects students’ right to equal education, which includes sexual violence and assault as a form of sex discrimination. 

At ULM, reports of sexual misconduct can be reported to the Title IX coordinator Treina Kimble. 

Kimble said the best way to report sexual misconduct is “through our online reporting form that is accessible 24 hours a day and offers an option for anonymous reporting if desired.” 

Karen Foster, the director of the Counseling Center, said the purpose of the group is to bring awareness by implementing mandatory training for faculty, staff and students. 

Throughout the year, ULM educates students on sexual misconduct and bullying in other ways by hosting events like hazing prevention forums for students. 

Mackenzie Howard, a junior elementary education major, said she hopes this lawsuit will spread awareness about sexual misconduct and bullying. 

“[Hopefully,] the attention received from the lawsuit will encourage at least one person to seek the help that they need,” Howard said.