Firm Wins Denial of Multiple Motions to Dismiss for Plaintiff Client in Sexual Harassment Case

February 2012

The U.S. District Court on February 22, 2012, in a 50-page decision, denied motions to dismiss filed by defendants in a case in which a Bulkley Richardson client claimed violations of both state and federal laws relating to sexual harassment in education. The claims stem from the allegations that the plaintiff, a high school student at the relevant times, was targeted by a guidance counselor for a sexual relationship while she was a student.

The joint motion to dismiss had been filed by the municipality, school committee, superintendent and principal, and a separate motion to dismiss was filed by the former guidance counselor. The court found the bulk of the plaintiff’s federal and state law claims were sufficient for the case against the defendants to move forward. The written decision is published as Doe v. Fournier, 2012 WL 591669 (D. Mass. Feb. 22, 2012). Bulkley Richardson’s client is represented by Jeff Poindexter.