What is the history of Glen Mills Schools?

The Glen Mills Schools was a residential school for boys established in the 19th century, located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. For decades, the facility accepted youth who were adjudicated delinquent and committed to Glen Mills by state or local juvenile justice systems across the country. At one time it was home to as many as 1,000 boys.

The facility today sits empty, as the last remaining youth were ordered removed from the facility by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on March 25, 2019, and Glen Mills’ licenses were revoked on April 8, 2019, due to findings that the school failed to protect the youth entrusted to its care, placed youth at risk of serious injury, permitted youth to sustain physical injuries, and engaged in a culture that instills fear in youth through coercion and intimidation. The abuse had a particularly dire impact on Black students, sent to Glen Mills in disproportionate numbers, as well as students with disabilities and special education needs, whose educational rights were ignored.

Why was the case filed?

In April 2019, Education Law Center, Juvenile Law Center and Dechert, LLP filed a lawsuit on behalf of former students and their parents. The complaint was filed in the wake of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services closing the facility in response to findings of pervasive abuse and intimidation against students by Glen Mills Schools residential staff. The lawsuit alleged significant violations of the civil rights of former students, including that students were unsafe, subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and deprived of any meaningful education. The complaint sought to remedy harm to former students of Glen Mills, including harm caused by lack of state oversight of the placement.

What is Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)?

The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) is one of Pennsylvania’s 29 intermediate units, a regional educational service agency for area schools and school districts. CCIU contracted with the Glen Mills Schools for educational services provided to children.

Why was CCIU sued for what happened at the Glen Mills Schools?

Plaintiffs alleged that CCIU operated as the local educational agency (LEA) for the Glen Mills Schools and, in that role, was responsible to oversee the educational programming provided by the school, including for children with disabilities. Plaintiffs claimed that CCIU failed to oversee or be involved in education at the Glen Mills Schools.

Why was PDE sued for what happened at the Glen Mills Schools?

Plaintiffs alleged that PDE has a responsibility to ensure that local educational agencies and education entities like Glen Mills comply with their legal obligations and provide a legally compliant education to all students. In addition, PDE has a clear obligation to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education.