District 'Deeply Sorry' About ETHS Teacher Sexual Abuse Allegations

EVANSTON, IL — The District 202 administration apologized Wednesday for allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by a former drama teacher at Evanston Township High School. In a letter to the ETHS community, Superintendent Eric Witherspoon said the school has established comprehensive policies to avoid or address similar conduct in the future, has opened an internal review and is cooperating with the Evanston Police Department's investigation.

"I want to take a moment to acknowledge the expressed pain that has surfaced among our alumni in light of recent allegations," Witherspooon said. "We are deeply sorry for the pain certain individuals may be experiencing as a result of these allegations, and recognize how these allegations may impact ETHS graduates, their classmates, loved ones, current students, parents and staff in different ways."

Last week, several ETHS alumni who worked with the former teacher publicly accused him of non-consensual sexual conduct, including groping, harassment and sexual innuendo. Alumni of the school's YAMO performing arts showcase, which the accused teacher supervised, began sharing memories of his conduct on a private Facebook group, prompted partially by discussions of the scandal over the culture of silence in the entertainment industry that protected Harvey Weinstein from myriad allegations of sexual abuse.

When the allegations against the teacher surfaced publicly on Twitter, school officials reacted quickly, reporting the claims to police and banning the ex-teacher from school events. One former student told Patch she reported inappropriate conduct to school administrators to no effect, but the district's then-superintendent said he had no recollection of the incident she described.

Evanston police are actively investigating the teacher in what is expected to be "an in-depth case," according to Cmdr. Joseph Dugan. Detectives are still interviewing potential victims and witnesses, and school administrators have been cooperative and taking the situation seriously.

"We have been receiving a steady stream of calls, mostly from past students who want to provide background info," Dugan said.

Detectives have so far identified about 10 possible victims, according to Dugan. Not all of them want to press charges, and because some of the allegations date from decades ago, investigators have little physical evidence to work with.

The former teacher worked at ETHS from 1965 to 1999, according to a school spokesperson.

Witherspoon urged any alumni or family members of alumni who have information about the allegations to contact police. In his Oct. 18 statement, he said the district reported the allegations to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the State Board of Education.

"Although the District cannot legally provide specific information regarding any personnel matter to the public, including issues about former staff," the superintendent said. "[W]e can confirm today that the District is responding to all legal requirements and is providing the Evanston Police with all it is requesting."

Witherspoon's letter also included resources and contact information for student or staff who have experienced or witnessed sexual assault, harassment, bullying or other prohibited behavior to report it. He assured students who make complaints in good faith will not be disciplined.

The accused teacher, who Patch has not named because he has not been charged with any crime, has not responded to messages requesting comment.

» Read more: Former ETHS Teacher Accused Of Sexual Abuse

_{Top photo: Superintendent Eric Witherspoon | Official portrait, Patch archive}