Standing Up for Justice: How the Law Office of Matt Uhrig Advocated for a High School Student in a Sexual Assault Case

The summer before the Covid pandemic made its presence felt worldwide, a bright high school student, on the brink of her Junior year, was sexually assaulted by a fellow student. She kept the information private from her parents and school leaders. Outside of her school studies, she played an instrument as part of the school orchestra. Little did she know that this sanctuary would become a space of increased trauma.

During the isolating months of the Covid pandemic, the orchestra teacher, in a blatant disregard for school policy, permitted NP (name protected for confidentiality) and two of her peers to engage in in-person sessions. While initially, this might have seemed like a benign act of dedication towards the art, it soon spiraled into an inappropriate boundary breach.

The orchestra teacher began to send messages to NP incessantly, disregarding the hour. This became a concerning pattern of behavior. Trusting him as an authority figure, NP disclosed to him the act of sexual assault committed against her by a fellow student. Instead of offering support or following the mandatory protocols, he began prying with inappropriate and invasive questions, further traumatizing the young student.

Under Title IX, students are protected from any form of sexual discrimination, including being forced to share spaces with those who have assaulted them. NP, bravely stepping up, reported her sexual assault to the school. However, to her dismay, she discovered she was scheduled to be in three classes with her assailant during her senior year. The emotional strain became unbearable, prompting her immediate transfer to Rock Bridge High School.

Upon being informed of the harrowing events their daughter had been subjected to, NP's parents filed an official complaint. The school, realizing the gravity of the orchestra teacher's misconduct, terminated his employment.

Now, with her rights violated and trauma compounded by institutional negligence, NP, backed by the unwavering support of her family and represented by the Law Office of Matt Uhrig, is suing the school. The charges include a glaring violation of Title IX and the inappropriate actions of the orchestra teacher.

The educational space should be one of safety, growth, and support. Sadly, NP's experience was far from this ideal. But with the expert legal counsel of the Law Office of Matt Uhrig, she's not standing alone. We are proud to advocate for NP and all students who deserve justice, ensuring they receive the protection and support they are entitled to by law.