Seattle Prep, a private Catholic school in Seattle, has agreed to pay a $2.425 million settlement to a former student who alleged she was sexually abused by a former teacher and softball coach. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused the school of turning a blind eye to the coach’s actions off the field.
The victim’s attorneys, Darrell Cochran, founding partner, and Bridget Grotz, senior associate, of Pfau Cochran Vertitis Amala law, argued that Seattle Prep authorities were aware of the teacher’s history and the risks he posed to female students. The attorneys expressed their belief that the school should have recognized the dangers inherent in teachers selectively targeting students.
The former student filed the lawsuit against Seattle Preparatory School, alleging that the school willfully ignored the coach’s misconduct. The school had previously denied the allegations. In a recent statement, Seattle Prep confirmed that the case was resolved last month and pertained to events that occurred over 20 years ago. The school emphasized that the settlement was not funded by tuition, donor funds, or assets.
According to the statement, a former coach and teacher at Seattle Prep had an inappropriate relationship with a former student, which primarily occurred after the student had graduated. The school asserted that it has cooperated with the victim’s attorneys and followed due process. Seattle Prep also highlighted the implementation of necessary safety programs and practices to prioritize the well-being of its students. The school acknowledged treating the plaintiff with compassion and respect and honoring her request for confidentiality.
The former coach, who later became the school’s athletic director, worked at Seattle Prep from 1992 to 2006. The release stated that he reportedly harassed several female students during his tenure. The victim alleges that throughout her high school career, she was subjected to grooming, harassment, and sexual abuse by her former softball coach. The release described the coach’s repeated violation of boundaries, including being overly attentive and flirtatious, arranging private meetings, contacting her at inappropriate hours, and attending unofficial team bonding events.