Kingswood Oxford, a private school in West Hartford, hired a law firm to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by faculty in the 1970s and 1980 and said the investigation revealed “credible evidence” that some former faculty members engaged in inappropriate relations with students” decades ago.
“While it is important to protect the privacy of those alumni involved, we want to be clear that what has come to light was a break in the essential bond of trust, respect and integrity between teacher and student that is the foundation of the School,” Head of School Dennis Bisgaard and Board of Trustees Chair I. Bradley Hoffman said in a statement on the school’s website.
The faculty members involved are not with the school now, according to school officials.
“These former faculty members did not uphold the principles and values of the School, and the School is profoundly sorry for their transgressions. We also want to recognize the courage of those alumni who came forward to report such transgressions. It is through their courageous actions that we are now able to learn from the past and to make our community even stronger,” the letter said.
School officials said the school, which is for students in sixth grade through high school, currently requires sexual misconduct training for all faculty and staff and addresses the topics of appropriate boundaries with students and mandatory reporting.
They said each newly hired faculty and staff member undergoes a comprehensive background check, including criminal, sex offender, drug and reference checks.
All faculty and staff will be rescreened at least every two years and volunteers and outside vendors who have direct contact with students are subject to similar checks, according to school officials.
