Standing Up for Student Safety: A Troubling Case in Granby

At Barry, Taylor & Levesque, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights of children and families—especially when institutions fail to uphold their duty of care. A recent lawsuit filed in Hartford Superior Court brings to light a deeply troubling case involving the Granby school system and its alleged failure to protect a student from prolonged harassment.

The Allegations

The complaint, filed by Attorney Anthony Spinella, outlines a disturbing pattern of sexual harassment and threats endured by a young girl at Granby Memorial Middle School. Despite multiple reports and meetings with school officials, the harassment allegedly continued for months, culminating in a traumatic incident at a town-sponsored dance. The family ultimately withdrew the girl from the school and enrolled her in a private institution for her safety.

The lawsuit claims:

• The school failed to enforce a safety plan meant to protect the student.
• Substitute teachers were not informed of the plan, leading to further exposure to the alleged harassers.
• Administrators refused to act on incidents occurring off school grounds.
• The school system retaliated against the student after her parents contacted law

Legal and Ethical Implications

This case raises serious concerns about how schools respond to bullying and harassment, particularly when the safety of a child is at stake. It underscores the importance of:

• Transparent communication between school staff and families.
• Proper documentation and enforcement of safety protocols.
• Collaboration with law enforcement when necessary.

While the defendants—Granby’s school system and the town—have requested additional time to respond to the suit, the allegations serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities educators and administrators bear.

Our Position

Barry, Taylor & Levesque will pursue this case aggressively. We believe every child deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, and we stand ready to advocate for justice, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable students across Connecticut.