Following publication of last week’s Examiner report entitled ‘Jury finds Beaumont ISD responsible to student sexual assault victims,’ the following BISD response was received:
“Statement from Dr. Allen (pertaining to the recent judgement against the district):
First and foremost, our hearts go out to the students and their families impacted by the criminal conduct of the District’s former substitute employee. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we strive to implement rigorous monitoring and training systems that, unfortunately, even when implemented with precision, do not prevent bad actors.
Beaumont ISD in no way condones or supports employees who abuse or victimize students. The actions of the substitute that resulted in the lawsuit were unconscionable and inexcusable. As soon as BISD became aware of the allegations back in 2019, we took immediate action to terminate the substitute and cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout their investigation.
Currently, the District is carefully evaluating the jury’s verdict and has several options that will be pursued including, but not limited to appealing. Beaumont ISD remains dedicated to continuing to implement our practices and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of every student.”
Prior to publication, The Examiner asked BISD to clarify how a federal judgment in excess of $3 million would affect the budget, specifically, would a potential judgment of this size be covered by an insurance policy, be worked into the budget, or come from a special fund already earmarked for such occasion. With an evident refusal to concede to a loss in this case, the following response was received: “The payment of any judgment arising out of the case is a premature issue. The district is carefully evaluating the jury’s verdict and has several options to consider that will be pursued based on recommendations from our attorney,” replied Dr. Shannon Allen.
May 24, a jury in federal court found the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) liable for Title IX and civil rights violations following the sexual assault of two former students by former BISD substitute teacher Brandon Chillow. The jury awarded a total of $3,450,000 in damages.
The case was presided over by Judge Michael J. Truncale in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and the plaintiffs were represented by local attorneys Mark Frasher and John Werner of Reaud, Morgan, and Quinn L.L.P.