Sexual Assault Cases Went Unreported at this Rialto High School

07Apr
by Leticia Chavez-Garcia

At the end of February, the Rialto Police Department investigated a series of sexual assaults at a local high school that went unreported by staff. This is unacceptable and inexcusable. The incident took place at Carter High School in Rialto, Ca, in San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office indicated that two Vice Principals at Carter High School were arrested and charged with two misdemeanors (including failure to report sexual assault) and one felony. 

The following press release was made by the San Bernardino County District Attorney regarding the issue. 

In California, the term “mandated reporter” refers to those who are legally required “to report any known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the county child welfare department or to a local law enforcement agency.” This information is easily accessible through a Google search or by visiting www.mandatedreporterca.com. There is a long list of those who are required to report within 24 hours. Professionals who are required to report must sign an acknowledgment confirming that they will comply with the mandate. 

Among those required are: teachers, public school employees, employees of the school district police or security department, and peace officers. 

In this particular case, the incident and failed mandated reports did have a full investigation, and the district (as well as the City police department) are liable for those harmed students.  We hope this reminds everyone to report any known or suspected abuse. Even if you are not a mandated reporter, you should report these incidents, as you could be saving a life.

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Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Leticia Chavez-Garcia is a Mother, Grandmother, former Middle School Teacher, former Member of a School Board of Education and an Education Advocate for hundreds of parents and students in the Inland Empire. Having become a mother at 15, Leticia knows what it’s like to be a single mother trying to navigate the education system. Leticia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California Baptist University and a Masters’ Degree in Education Technology from Cal State Fullerton in her 30’s. Leticia has used her knowledge and experience to help hundreds of families as an Education Advocate in the Inland Empire and currently works as an Education Specialist.

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