Former Seattle Prep Students Allege Sexual Abuse

Former students at Seattle Prep allege sexual abuse by a coach. They are claiming that Seattle Prep ‘knew or should have known’ about the abuse. The school disputes that the administration had any knowledge of the abuse. There are two lawsuits by two women saying that they were sexually abused as students.

The women were athletes sexually abused by a coach twenty years ago. The coach is also a teacher. An investigation was completed by the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. OSPI is in the process of revoking the teacher’s Washington education certificate. However, he is appealing, and his certificate will remain valid through the process. The women filed the lawsuit last week.

The coach in question helped to lead the school’s varsity softball team, and eventually became Seattle Prep’s athletic director.  The OSPI report stated the coach used “grooming techniques” and “emotional manipulation” that made the “transition to sexual advances seamless.” The report also states that the coach spent time with female students on campus, occasionally in his office with the door closed, and off campus accompanying students on shopping trips and to dinners.

A spokesperson for Seattle Prep issued the following statement:

“The safety and well-being of our students at Seattle Prep is of paramount importance. Seattle Prep has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual misconduct and has long-established prevention, protection, and reporting protocols in place. Seattle Prep is currently addressing two claims of sexual misconduct dating back to circumstances alleged to have occurred two decades ago. Seattle Prep disputes that the administration had any knowledge of inappropriate conduct at the time. In fact, one of the plaintiffs has acknowledged that a sexual relationship did not occur until after she had graduated and was no longer a student. Seattle Prep will assert all of its legal defenses to these claims. However, Seattle Prep will approach these claims with respect and compassion for the plaintiffs.”

The lawsuit alleges that Seattle Prep “willfully turned a blind eye” to what was happening off the field. The school denies that they knew or turned a blind eye towards the abuse. The coach is still there. “The final order of revocation has been appealed and he will be going for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. This means that at this time, his certificate remains valid and will remain valid throughout the process,” stated OSPI.

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