John Cooper School Faces $15M Assault Trip Lawsuit

John Cooper School Faces $15 Million Lawsuit Alleging Negligence in Peru Trip Assault

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The John Cooper School, a prominent independent K-12 institution in The Woodlands, is currently embroiled in a significant $15 million lawsuit filed by a former student who alleges she was sexually assaulted during a school-sponsored trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, in June 2021. The plaintiff, now 20 years old and identified in court documents as Jane Doe, claims the school failed to protect her despite alleged prior knowledge of the accused male student's behavioral issues.

The lawsuit, officially filed on April 25, 2024, in the 457th District Court of Montgomery County, seeks damages for negligence, premises liability, and breach of contract. According to court documents, the alleged incident occurred in a hostel room while the plaintiff was 17 years old and the accused male student was 18.

The core of the plaintiff's claim centers on allegations that The John Cooper School was negligent, asserting that the institution failed in its duty to supervise and protect students. The lawsuit specifically alleges that the school had knowledge of the accused male student's "history of aggression and disruptive behavior" prior to the trip but did not take adequate measures to prevent potential harm.

Officials for The John Cooper School have vehemently denied any negligence on their part. In their legal response, filed through attorneys from the firm Bracewell LLP, the school asserts that the interaction between the students was consensual and occurred off-campus, thereby falling outside their direct responsibility. The school also states that it acted appropriately by reporting the matter to Peruvian authorities following the incident. Furthermore, The John Cooper School commissioned an outside law firm to conduct a thorough investigation, which they claim found no violations of school policy.

Representing the plaintiff in this high-stakes legal battle are attorneys from Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP. The lawsuit’s filing opens a complex legal proceeding that will scrutinize the school’s duty of care, supervision protocols for international trips, and its handling of student behavioral issues.

The John Cooper School, established in 1988, is known for its rigorous academic programs and community involvement in The Woodlands area. The unfolding legal battle places a spotlight on the responsibilities of educational institutions for student safety, particularly during off-campus and international excursions.

Both sides are now preparing to present their respective versions of events from that trip over three years ago as the legal process moves forward in Montgomery County courts. Details regarding depositions, discovery, and future court dates are expected to emerge as the case progresses.