WASHINGTON — The Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, is investigating reports of sexual abuse dating back some 50 years.
Two alumni have come forward to report that as students, they were sexually abused by a teacher who has since passed away, Headmaster Jim Neill wrote in a letter to the school community.
The reports were made in the summer however, the school did not send its letter informing the community about the alleged abuse until Monday, according to school spokeswoman Meredith Josef.
“As soon as we were alerted this summer to the survivors’ experiences, we immediately took action to begin assisting the survivors, learn more about our past, and ensure a thorough and thoughtful process would take place,” Josef wrote.
The elite private school for boys has hired the independent firm T&M Protection Services to investigate the reports, and is encouraging present and past students to reach out and report any abusive experiences.
“Should there be other instances or allegations of sexual misconduct that may have gone unreported, we must provide a safe, discreet, and independent resource where those experiences can be reported,” Neill wrote.
The teacher in question was not named in the letter. Neill goes on to explain the school’s decision to review its policies and to say that school counselors will talk with students about what constitutes inappropriate behavior and the importance of reporting concerns.
Landon Letter to the Community by wtopweb on Scribd
