Teacher-Student Sex Allegations Investigated At Chicago Christian High School

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Palos Heights police are investigating misconduct allegations made against a female teacher at Chicago Christian High School. The high school alerted police of the alleged misconduct possibly involving inappropriate sexual content and contact on April 1. No arrests have been made.

Interim Superintendent Henry Doorn Jr., of Southwest Chicago Christian Schools, sent a letter to parents this week informing them of the allegations when they came to light last weekend. A copy of the letter provided to Patch stated that school officials “learned of the delivery of sexual content” by a female faculty member to one or more students at Chicago Christian High School.

Doorn said the accusations made against the teacher may have also involved sexual contact between her and one or more students. According to the letter, school officials immediately contacted the Palos Heights Police Department, which has since opened an investigation.

The teacher was suspended indefinitely while the police continue to gather information. Doorn told parents that Southwest Chicago Christian Schools is cooperating with police as they conduct their “due diligence.”

“It is important to understand that not all the facts are known at this time and the ongoing,” Doorn said in his written statement to parents. “We are deeply saddened by this development and its impact on our students, families and school community.”

Doorn asked for prayers on behalf of the students and families impacted by the accusations as well as the suspended teacher and her family, calling it a “reminder to all of us that we live in a broken world and are not immune to its effects.”

The suspended teacher is reportedly undergoing a psychiatric evaluation. The alleged misconduct may have involved as many as six or more male students, according to someone close to the high school.

Sgt. Detective Mike Yott, of the Palos Heights Police Department, said that police are still in fact-gathering mode.

“It’s not going to be done quickly due to that nature of some of the accusations,” said Yott, who is involved in the investigation. “It has the potential to be a little more involved.”

Doorn encouraged concerned students and their parents to contact the high school or Palos Heights police if they believe their child may have been impacted by the teacher’s alleged actions.

Yott said students or parents should talk to someone with whom they are most comfortable. Those wishing to talk to Palos Heights police should call 708-448-5060.