As BCSD considers an independent investigation of teacher sexual abuse, it can draw inspiration from other schools that have chosen this path. The case of Choate Rosemary Hall, a private boarding school in Connecticut, illustrates how schools that launch such investigations can take accountability for past mistakes and make changes to protect all students going forward. 

Choate’s story begins with an alumna named Cheyenne Hawk Montgomery, who had guarded a secret for decades: She'd been sexually abused by two of her male Choate teachers, who’d started predatory relationships with her lasting for months. In 2016, Montgomery decided to talk to Boston Globe reporters—the first time she'd told her story publicly. She wanted to make sure no other student would have to go through what she had. 

After the Globe story appeared, and after pressure from other alumni, Choate agreed to conduct an independent investigation into incidents of teacher sexual abuse. To begin with, the school invited alumni to share anonymously about past abuse they had suffered. These reports were included in the public investigator’s summary, which named the teachers mentioned in corroborated testimony. In exposing abusers publicly, in documenting their behavior, and in detailing where the school had failed to detect and stop them, this investigation helped to create major institutional change. 

“We apologize deeply to all survivors who suffered abuse at our school,” the school's 2018 statement read. “We have taken many steps and committed resources to protecting our community... We continue to be grateful to our former students who have come forward. We are inspired by their bravery.” Based on the investigation’s results, the school has created new faculty conduct guidelines and reporting procedures to prevent future students from becoming victims. 

While lawsuits against individual teachers or districts have their place, they are often settled out of court rather than going to trial. When a settlement occurs, community members may not get any information about what really happened in cases of teacher sexual abuse. 

An independent investigation, by contrast, is a reliable way to get this critical information to all students, parents, and other Brighton residents. Not only is such an investigation in the entire community’s best interests, it would make BCSD a proactive pioneer on par with Choate.