Those opposed to her suit seek to trivialize it, saying Davis shouldn't make a federal case out of harmless grade-school teasing. That's how they learn to relate to one another. LaShonda's harasser tried to touch her breasts and genitals, made crude sexual comments and repeatedly rubbed up against her. LaShonda and her mother's repeated complaints were to no avail. Her teacher refused even to let LaShonda change seats so she would not have to sit next to the boy.
Sexual harassment is a common occurrence in school.
In case after case school officials are alleged to have known about harassment and done nothing. Harassment eventually drove Jane from school. We don't want to see kids' schoolyard squabbles in court. We don't expect federal marshals to stop cafeteria food fights. Lawsuits, and the threat of legal action, will give school administrators an incentive to end the sexual harassment that disadvantages girls and empowers boys in school.