Sexual Harassment Fallout: Carmel Unified Board President Resigns
Two officials with the Carmel Unified School District have been forced out amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault against students, which were allegedly handled improperly.
School board president Tess Arthur resigned on Feb. 15. The shock announcement followed the dismissal of Carmel High School Principal John Lyons one week earlier.
At least six students, but potentially many more, have alleged sexual harassment or assault. The students claim the incidents were not investigated properly.
A preliminary probe of the allegations revealed results “so concerning that we are turning over our reports to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, the Monterey County District Attorney and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing,” Superintendent Ted Knight said in a recent letter to parents.
“Carmel Unified has, unfortunately, been plagued with a longstanding systemic issue of failure in both the reporting and investigation of employee, student and community complaints involving sexual harassment,” he added.
A number of parents say they have lost confidence in Knight as well.
School board member Sarah Hinds is now serving as president.
Read the latest on the scandal at the Monterey County Weekly.
