Chicago High School Staff Accused of Grooming Students and Recent Graduates

The culture of sexual misconduct at a high school complex in Little Village, Chicago, has raised serious concerns. Following a significant case involving a former dean, the watchdog report revealed that inappropriate behavior was pervasive among staff members at Great Lawndale High School for Social Justice and Infinity Math, Science, and Technology High School.

Key Findings from the Watchdog Report

A report from the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of the Inspector General highlighted various incidents of grooming and misconduct. This investigation revealed that seven former educators and staff members engaged in inappropriate relationships with students and recent graduates during the 2010s.

• Brian Crowder: The former dean sentenced to 22 years for aggravated criminal sexual assault.
• Settlement: CPS approved a $17.5 million settlement for a former student abused by Crowder.
• Cultural Issues: Staff blurred professional boundaries, engaging with students like friends rather than authority figures.

Inappropriate Teacher Behavior

The report found alarming behaviors among various teachers. One educator, who ran a legal aid clinic, groomed former students for sexual relationships soon after graduation. Another teacher exchanged over 18,000 messages with a 17-year-old student and initiated inappropriate physical contact.

Investigative Outcomes

The watchdog’s investigation noted that the vast majority of misconduct occurred before 2018. In response to these findings:

• CPS extended its ban on social media interactions to include recent graduates.
• Additional training was provided to all staff at the affected schools.
• Employees involved either resigned or left the district, with bans on rehiring applied to their personnel files.

Community Response

The district stated its commitment to preventing and addressing any form of abuse or misconduct. This includes ongoing training for employees on recognizing and reporting misconduct.

In the wake of the findings, the inspector general emphasized the bravery of those who reported initial incidents of misconduct. Their actions potentially prevented further victimization among students.

Conclusion

The revelations about the culture of grooming and sexual misconduct at these schools underscore a pressing need for rigorous oversight and protection for students and recent graduates. As CPS continues to address these issues, the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between staff and students cannot be overstated.