(KINGMAN, Kan.) — A former Kingman High School student is suing the school district, saying it did nothing to stop a teacher from sexually harassing her. The lawsuit was filed by 'Jane Doe' in US District Court this week. Now the teacher in question has been put on paid administrative leave.
The lawsuit says that between 2008 and 2010, a teacher at the high school sexually harassed 'Jane Doe'. The lawsuit says the teacher sent inappropriate text messages and made inappropriate comments. Those comments included, what is your bra size, you have a perfect body, what type of panties are you wearing and climb up on that chair so I can see up your skirt. He also offered her $500 to strip in front of him.
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The student filed a sexual harassment complaint with the school about the teacher's behavior. The district responded to that complaint by issuing 'Jane Doe' and her family a letter. It stated, the administration had completed an investigation of the teacher and appropriate disciplinary action was taken. The letter went on to say that the woman's younger sister would not be enrolled in the teacher's classes in the future.
'Jane Doe' was not the only student to file complaints with the district about this teacher. Eyewitness News reported back in August about concerns several parents raised. They told the school board they didn't want their female students taking this teacher's classes. The school board decided to let concerned students take online versions of his classes instead. Back in August the superintendent told Eyewitness New they were doing everything possible to provide the safest environment for students.
But 'Jane Doe's' father disagrees. He tells Eyewitness News, his daughter moved forward with the lawsuit because the district wasn't doing anything to stop this teacher from sexually harassing students. She decided a lawsuit might be the only way to make a difference. She wasn't the first student to complain but she hopes to be the last.
In 2006, another Kingman High School student filed a police report claiming unlawful sexual relations with the same teacher. Eyewitness News spoke with this woman. She says the teacher made inappropriate comments and also brushed up against her breast. Her case was reviewed by a special counselor in Kingman County, but it was decided there wasn't enough information to file formal charges.
Eyewitness News contacted the superintendent who referred us to the district's attorney. We've left a message with them. The superintendent did say the teacher had been placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday, days after the lawsuit was filed. He also said about 20 students are enrolled for online courses this semester, but it's unclear how many of those students would have been in this teacher's classroom.
