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John Cooper seeks dismissal of campus assault suit

## John Cooper School Seeks Dismissal of $1 Million Lawsuit Alleging Negligence in Campus Sexual Assault

**THE WOODLANDS, TX – June 18, 2024** – The John Cooper School, a prominent independent K-12 institution in The Woodlands, is actively seeking the dismissal of a $1 million lawsuit filed against it, which alleges negligence related to a sexual assault on campus in 2021. The lawsuit, filed by a former student identified as “Jane Doe” and her parent “John Doe,” claims the school failed in its duty to protect Jane Doe from an assault by a fellow male student, identified as B.M.

The complaint was filed in Montgomery County’s 9th District Court on April 25, 2024. According to the Does’ petition, the alleged sexual assault occurred in the school’s athletic training room during the fall semester of 2021. The plaintiffs accuse The John Cooper School of negligence, gross negligence, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, asserting that the school failed to properly supervise students, maintain a safe environment, and adequately respond to the incident. The lawsuit also claims the school retaliated against Jane Doe and her family, ultimately leading to her withdrawal from the institution. The Does are seeking over $1 million in damages.

However, the school, located at One John Cooper Drive, is vigorously contesting these claims. In a motion to dismiss filed on June 12, 2024, the school maintains that Jane Doe and B.M. were “consensual, intimate partners” and that their relationship was “consensual and mutual.”

The school further asserts that it “promptly and thoroughly” investigated the allegations in accordance with its policies and took “appropriate action” following the investigation. Thomas S. Farrell III, attorney for The John Cooper School, argues in the motion that the lawsuit “fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.” Farrell emphasized that B.M. was not an employee, agent, or contractor of the school, and therefore, the school cannot be held liable for his actions. The school’s motion also contends that the plaintiffs’ allegations are “conclusory” and lack the specific facts needed to support their legal claims.

The John Cooper School, founded in 1988, is a well-regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, known for its rigorous academic programs and athletic offerings in The Woodlands community.

The filing of a motion to dismiss is a standard legal maneuver in which a defendant asks the court to end a case early, arguing that the plaintiff’s complaint does not meet the legal requirements to proceed to trial. The court will consider the arguments presented by both sides before making a ruling.

Discovery in the lawsuit, which involves both parties gathering evidence and information, is ongoing. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as the court addresses the school’s motion to dismiss and other pre-trial matters.

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**Relevant Details & Dates:**
* **Lawsuit Filed:** April 25, 2024
* **Court:** Montgomery County’s 9th District Court
* **Motion to Dismiss Filed:** June 12, 2024
* **Alleged Incident:** September 2021
* **School:** The John Cooper School, One John Cooper Drive, The Woodlands, Texas
* **Plaintiffs:** Jane Doe and John Doe
* **Defendant:** The John Cooper School
* **Student Accused:** B.M.
* **School’s Attorney:** Thomas S. Farrell III

**For further information (external links would be placed here in a digital publication):**
* The John Cooper School: [Link to school’s official website]
* Montgomery County 9th District Court Records: [Link to county court portal for public records]

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