Sexual Abuse at Choate Rosemary Hall Boarding School? Tell Us About Your Claim; You Deserve Justice!

An independent investigation into Choate Rosemary Hall documented decades of alleged sexual misconduct involving former faculty members and students. The report identified 12 former teachers allegedly connected to abuse allegations and raised questions about the school’s handling of complaints over several decades.

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Choate Rosemary Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

An independent investigation into Choate Rosemary Hall documented decades of alleged sexual misconduct involving former faculty members and students. The report identified 12 former teachers allegedly connected to abuse allegations and raised questions about the school's handling of complaints over several decades.

Choate Rosemary Hall, a prestigious college-preparatory boarding school in Wallingford, Connecticut, has a disturbing history of sexual abuse allegations involving teachers and students. In 2017, an investigation commissioned by the school identified 12 faculty members who were accused of sexual misconduct with former students. The nature of these allegations included inappropriate touching, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse, with reports dating back to the 1960s. In 2022, five years after the investigation went public, another Choate Rosemary Hall teacher was fired for sexual misconduct after a third-party investigation uncovered evidence of inappropriate sexual behavior involving at least two students.

Choate Rosemary Hall has faced scrutiny regarding its handling of these sex abuse claims, with critics claiming that the New England private school covered up the abuse allegations. If you or someone you know has been affected by alleged abuse at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut, our consumer advocates are available to discuss potential legal recourse. Call us today or fill out the form on this page to see how we can help.

Background of Choate Rosemary Hall Sexual Abuse Allegations

Choate Rosemary Hall, originally founded in 1890, became a co-educational school in 1978 with the merger of the Choate School for boys and Rosemary Hall for girls. The private school has produced numerous notable alumni, including former President John F. Kennedy and Ivanka Trump. However, beneath its prestigious reputation lies a troubling legacy of sexual abuse that has come to light through various recent investigations.

Timeline of Abuse Allegations at Choate Rosemary Hall

2014 – Amid reports of sex abuse at other New England schools, Choate Rosemary Hall leadership ask alumni to come forward with any incidents of sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual behavior they may have experienced from teachers. At least 24 former students report encounters with teachers dating as far back as the 1960s and earlier.

2017 – An independent investigation commissioned by Choate reveals that at least 12 former faculty members were implicated in sexual abuse claims, five of whom are no longer alive. The findings, released in a report in April 2017, details a pattern of abuse and misconduct that persisted for decades.

2022 – New allegations emerge involving a Choate Rosemary Hall teacher who is fired for sexual misconduct. Administrators release a statement indicating that Julie Oxborough-Yankus was fired after a third-party investigation found evidence to support a claim that the teacher had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with the initial claimant and at least one other student. The school also notifies state and local authorities about the abuse allegations.

12 Choate Rosemary Hall Teachers Implicated in Sex Abuse Scandal at Private School

The 2017 investigation into sex abuse claims involving Choate Rosemary Hall identified 12 former teachers who allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with students. Among those named were:

Frederic Lyman – An English teacher, house adviser, and coach at Choate between 1980 and 1982
- Two students reported that Lyman “engaged in sexual relationships with them when he was a faculty member” and they were students.
- One of the students stated that her parents complained to the school after she contracted herpes from Lyman, which led to his resignation at the end of the school year.
- Other students reported receiving inappropriate attention from Lyman.
- After resigning, he went on to teach at Kent Denver School, a private school in Colorado.
Watson Lowery – An English teacher, house adviser, and soccer coach from 1973 to 2016
- One student reported that Lowery kissed her on several occasions and touched her breasts. One of the student’s classmates saw her and Lowery meet up in Paris.
- Another former student responded to an alumni survey with information about sexual misconduct at Choate Rosemary Hall and mentioned Lowery.
- The school confronted Lowery and he denied the allegations.
Adam Hardej – A Latin and math teacher, dorm adviser, and coach between 1983 and 1985
- One student reported that Hardej had a sexual relationship with her while she was a student at Choate. Hardej, through counsel, denied the allegations.
- Hardej left Choate in 1985 and became a teacher at Robert Louis Stevenson School in California.
William Cobbett – A faculty member at Choate from 1969 until 2010
- One student reported that Cobbett physically and emotionally coerced her into a sexual relationship in the 1990s.
- In 2000, another student reported that Cobbett kissed her.
- Choate considered having Cobbett retire as a result of the 2000 report, but instead let him remain on the faculty for another decade.

These individuals represent just a fraction of the faculty implicated in the Choate Rosemary Hall sex abuse scandal. The investigation revealed that many of these teachers were allowed to resign quietly or were not reported to authorities, raising questions about the school’s accountability and handling of the matter.

Will the Implicated Teachers Face Criminal Charges?

While some of the alleged perpetrators at Choate Rosemary Hall have passed away, others may still face criminal charges for their alleged misconduct. The school stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that any criminal activity is thoroughly investigated. However, the lack of timely reporting to authorities complicates matters, as many incidents occurred years ago, making prosecution difficult.

Civil Lawsuits Against Alleged Perpetrators at Choate Rosemary Hall

In addition to potential criminal charges, civil lawsuits may be filed against the school and the faculty members implicated in the sex abuse report. Survivors of boarding school sex abuse may seek justice and compensation for the harm they allegedly suffered while attending Choate Rosemary Hall. Institutional abuse lawsuits aim to hold not just the perpetrators but also the school accountable for its failure to protect students and for its inadequate response to sex abuse allegations.

Impact of Sexual Abuse on Alleged Victims

The impact of sexual abuse on survivors can be profound and long-lasting. Many individuals who have come forward with allegations against Choate Rosemary Hall teachers report experiencing a range of emotional and psychological effects, including:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors often struggle with anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress.
Depression: Feelings of hopelessness and sadness can persist long after the abuse has ended.
Trust Issues: Survivors may find it challenging to trust others, particularly authority figures, which can affect their personal and professional relationships.

Choate Rosemary Hall's Response to Allegations of Abuse

In light of the sex abuse allegations, Choate Rosemary Hall has publicly acknowledged the misconduct and admitted that it failed to properly report allegations of abuse to law enforcement. The school has issued statements apologizing to the survivors and their families, recognizing the violation of trust that occurred.

“On behalf of Choate Rosemary Hall, we profoundly apologize,” the school said in a 2017 statement to members of the Choate Rosemary Hall community. “The conduct of these adults violated the foundation of our community: the sacred trust between students and the adults charged with their care.”

However, critics argue that the school’s response has been insufficient and that more proactive measures are needed to ensure the safety of current and future students at Choate Rosemary Hall.

Legal Resources for Victims of Alleged Sexual Assault

For those who have experienced sexual abuse at an educational institution or elsewhere, it is crucial to understand the available legal resources. Sexual assault survivors may have the right to pursue civil claims against their alleged abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them, seeking compensation for the harm they have suffered. Legal avenues include:

Consulting with an Attorney: Alleged victims should seek legal counsel to discuss their options and understand their rights.
Filing a Lawsuit: Depending on the circumstances, alleged victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator and/or the institution where the alleged abuse occurred.
Accessing Support Services: Many organizations offer support for survivors of sexual abuse, including counseling and legal assistance.

Sex Abuse Lawsuits

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What should you do? If you were the victim of sexual abuse by faculty, staff, or any other person at Choate Rosemary Hall, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss filing a sex abuse lawsuit.

Start Your Claim Now!

The allegations of sexual abuse at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut represent a significant and troubling chapter in the school’s history. If you believe you have been a victim of sexual abuse at Choate Rosemary Hall or any other educational institution, do not hesitate to reach out for help and explore your legal options. Call us today or fill out the form on this page to find out if you may be eligible to file a sex abuse lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator or the school itself. Our consumer advocates are standing by, ready to help.

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