Episcopal School of Dallas - Controversy

Controversy

In 2012, the school was found guilty of fraud and negligent behavior for mishandling of a 2009 statutory rape accusation. The 16-year-old student claimed that a 34-year-old teacher had sexual relations with her. Administrators attempted to expel the victim upon hearing about the incident. Following the expulsion, the student's parents sued ESD for civil charges in July, 2012.

The teacher initiated relations with the student in November, 2009. Later that month, the student notified an administrator who reacted to her concern by writing an email in which she said she did not want the girl “haunting the halls with her sad story." As the information reached wider media coverage, the executive committee commented that the email did not reflect the institution's character nor policy. Another administrator then informed the student's father that she would be expelled, as it was the only choice according to the Headmaster.

On September 21, 2012, a jury awarded $9 million to the family for punitive and compensatory damages. Records from the teacher's school-sponsored credit card verified the student's accusation. In response to the incident, school officials have communicated to press about how they plan to update their policies. In order to prevent similar cases from occurring, the school expanded email archival space and installed GPS trackers on their official vehicles. Students, parents and faculty had mixed reactions. Some actively supported the ESD community, while others criticized and demanded the administration to institute better measures for student safety. A few students and faculty withdrew from the school due to the incident. The offending teacher quit the school shortly before the ruling, and faces further investigation.