USN forwards sexual misconduct claims to Nashville DA
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University School of Nashville in 2013. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM
University School of Nashville received new accusations of "sexual contact" concerning a former teacher, prompting the elite private school to loop in the district attorney for a possible investigation, according to a letter from the school's board.
The big picture: The revelation of new accusations come a week after media reports about a former student's sexual misconduct allegations against former teacher Dean Masullo.
- USN said it investigated the matter and terminated the teacher earlier this year.
The latest: Since the situation came to light, new allegations have surfaced, the school says. In addition to contacting District Attorney Glenn Funk, USN says it is hiring a law firm with no previous connection to "coordinate an independent investigation."
- The school also intends to form a task force to examine its policies regarding how it responds to sexual misconduct claims.
- USN sent a letter on Friday to its community updating them on the recent developments.
What they're saying: "Our intent is and remains to approach this matter with great care and sensitivity while focusing on protecting the students entrusted in our care," Eric Kopstain, USN board president said in the Friday letter.
- "We apologize that our prior communications have disappointed so many of you. We regret that our communications and actions have not adequately addressed your concerns."
Flashback: A former student claimed that Masullo "groomed" her and engaged in "sexual misconduct" that included unwanted kisses and touching.
- The teacher took her on trips and watched a movie alone together in his classroom, according to the student's attorney Alex Little.
- After the student posted about the situation on social media, other students contacted her claiming similar experiences, Little said. Little's Aug. 22 letter urged USN to determine if other students had similar complaints.
The bottom line: Little criticized USN for failing to look into those claims, and USN did not respond last week to Axios' questions about what steps it took to identify other possible victims.