Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Texas

High School Harassment by well liked coach

Is it sexual harassment for your 16 year old daughter to be touched in the stomach area by a coach or other teacher, and to be talked to in sexual overtones?


Asked on 10/23/99, 2:10 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Re: High School Harassment by well liked coach

Yes, that may be even more than sexual harassment.

Are you sure the talk was "in sexual overtones"? How so? What was said, exactly, and why do you or describe that as sexual overtones?

How / why was the stomach being touched? Was he showing her some gymnastics move which would justify putting a hand on her belly temporarily? Was he talking "in sexual overtones" at the same time?

Keep in mind that these things can be recast -- hence the term 'double-entendre" ... the same words can be heard and interpreted two ways. They can also be denied. I'd personally always want to approach the coach privately myself or approach his superior privately and see what comes of that before publicizing things and using the legal process, unless he clearly already stepped over the line in your opinion.

How does your daughter feel about him? Has it changed for the worse since these events? How does she feel about what he did? How does she feel about herself? Is she mad? Grossed out? Indifferent? Does it amuse or excite her? Does she want to punish or expose him?

Write me directly with the full story if you want more comment. I'm at [email protected] and I'm out of state so I won't stand to gain by doing business with you.

Call a lawyer to evaluate options. There are downsides to evaluate, too, which won't profit the attorney and could end up costing or hurting you or your daughter. Be careful you're doing the right thing before you sully a man's reputation and harm his livelihood.

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Answered on 10/26/99, 1:30 am
David Sergi Sergi and Associates PLLC

Re: High School Harassment by well liked coach

This is an actionable case. There are many

theories to use in bringing this type of action.

I would love discuss this case in detail.

Please call me at 512 392 5010 to discusss this

case.

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Answered on 10/25/99, 5:18 pm
John Hayes The John Hayes Law Offices

Re: High School Harassment by well liked coach

Certainly. I recently had a case where a drama teacher was sexually explicit with female students. After filing a complaint with the district an investigation was launched. The teacher refused to answer to the charges and quit. The parents were reimbursed for the attorney's fees and the district agreed to pay for counseling. The position that a teacher or coach has, especially in high school, is very special. They are dealing with kids who are just starting out in life and they are looking to these people as their role models. For someone in that position to take advantage of any student is sick. I hope that your case goes as well as this one did.

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Answered on 10/25/99, 8:41 pm


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