Two women sue for $ 15 MILLION against school district after being “sexually abused by a science teacher”
Two women have filed a $ 15 million lawsuit against a school district in California, accusing them of allowing sexual abuse by a former teacher.
The women, whose names have been hidden, say they have been sexually abused many times by Dan Withers, a 1996 science teacher at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School.
Withers was released on administrative leave after the charges, and he committed suicide two days later, although he was never charged with the crimes.
Scene of abuse: Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, where science teacher Dan Withers claims to have abused students in the 1990s
Both women now accuse the Moraga school district of receiving numerous complaints of inappropriate behavior from Witters, but have chosen to do little or nothing to stop it.
It was only recently that they learned of the school’s alleged behavior through an investigation into local news that sparked their case.
Retired Morag High School retired director Bill Walters, retired assistant principal Paul Simonin and retired superintendent John Cooley are area officials accused by the women of aiding and abetting the abuse.
“District administrators and employees have chosen to protect their own work and reputation instead of protecting young girls from predators,” said the Costa Costa Times.
Lawsuit: Kristen Kunane filed similar lawsuits against the Moraga school district this year, saying the “undiscovered environment” at the school allowed abuse
“After Witters committed suicide, () the Moraga school district launched a campaign to cover up and cover up its knowledge of past complaints against Witters.”
The case is not the first to be filed against the school, accusing them and the teacher of sexual violence.
Kristen Kunane, now 30, was the first to file a lawsuit against Withers.
Former swimming coach Kunane said the “undiscovered environment” provided by the school allowed for the harmful environment.
Ms Cunnane’s claim was rejected in August with her claim for unspecified damages, filed in September.
“We’re not talking about patting on the ass or rubbing on the shoulder,” women’s lawyer David Ring told the paper. “We are talking about extremely serious sexual violence.
“Their reaction … ranged from shock to horror to anger.” They couldn’t believe it. Their attitudes have always been Withers made us do this … and tried to deal with this problem.
“So when they found out about all the other complaints the district had received, it was a huge hurdle for them, because they realized that this should never have happened to them, because the man didn’t have to teach at school.”