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St. Helens High School in Oregon has become the epicenter of a significant child abuse scandal, raising critical concerns about the safety and well-being of its students. The recent arrests of choir teacher Eric Stearns and retired math teacher Mark Collins on charges of sexually abusing students have not only shocked the community but also unveiled potential systemic failures within the school district’s administration.
Allegations and Arrests at St. Helens High School
Eric Stearns, a 46-year-old choir teacher, is facing multiple charges of sexual abuse involving six students between 2015 and early 2024. Similarly, Mark Collins, a 64-year-old retired math teacher, is facing charges of sexually abusing three students between 2017 and 2023. Both educators have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Administrative Response
Principal Dr. Katy Wagner and Superintendent Scot Stockwell are facing allegations that they failed to take appropriate action. This perceived negligence led to their placement on administrative leave and the resignation of School Board Chair Ryan Scholl.
Parents and students have expressed outrage and lost trust in the district’s ability to safeguard its students. Protests erupted, with demonstrators demanding accountability and systemic changes to prevent future incidents.
Legal and Investigative Developments
The St. Helens Police Department is thoroughly investigating the district’s handling of the allegations. Thus examining whether there was a failure to report the abuse as mandated by state law. Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue stated that multiple historical reports of abuse were made to the high school administration from 2019 to 2023, which were not forwarded to law enforcement or the Department of Human Services.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against The School?
Oregon law provides survivors of child sexual abuse with a more extended period to initiate civil lawsuits against their abusers. Specifically, an action shall be commenced before the survivor reaches 40. Alternatively, suppose the survivor discovers the causal connection between the abuse and their injury later in life. They have up to five years from the date of that discovery to file a claim, whichever period is longer.
Key Provisions of the Law
- Definition of Child Abuse: “Child abuse” encompasses intentional conduct by an adult resulting in physical or mental injury to a child, rape, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation.
- Discovery Rule: The law recognizes that many survivors may not immediately connect their injuries or trauma to the abuse they endured. Therefore, it allows for the filing of a lawsuit within five years from the date the survivor discovers or reasonably should have discovered, the causal connection between the abuse and the injury.
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