Former Garfield High Student Sues Seattle Public Schools Over Years of Alleged Sexual Abuse

A former student of Garfield High School in Seattle has filed a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools (SPS), accusing the district of failing to protect her from years of sexual abuse by two coaches. The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, outlines shocking claims of negligence and misconduct by SPS, as well as the criminal actions of the two men involved.

Details of the Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, the student, who was just 13 years old at the time, was subjected to ongoing sexual and emotional abuse by two coaches, Walter Jones and Marvin Hall, while participating in Garfield High School's basketball program. The accusations span several years and suggest that school officials failed to take the necessary steps to safeguard the student, despite previous warnings.

Walter Jones

Walter Jones, a volunteer weightlifting coach for the Garfield girls' basketball team, allegedly began grooming and abusing the student in 2013. The lawsuit claims Jones repeatedly raped her, often on school premises, including in the weight room. In addition to physical abuse, Jones allegedly threatened to kill the student and her family if she reported the incidents.

Jones had a history with Seattle Public Schools that raised significant red flags. Despite being placed on SPS's "Do Not Re-Hire" list due to previous misconduct, Jones was re-hired multiple times:

• 2008: Removed from his position as an assistant coach at Ballard High School.
• 2011: Volunteered with the Garfield girls' volleyball team.
• 2013: Allowed to volunteer as a weightlifting coach with Garfield’s girls’ basketball program.

Marvin Hall

In 2017, Marvin Hall, who was serving as an assistant coach for the basketball team, allegedly initiated a relationship with the student, even though he was married with children. The lawsuit states Hall manipulated the student into believing they were in a romantic relationship, exploiting his position of authority for his own sexual gratification. The abusive relationship reportedly stretched into the student’s adult years.

The Lawsuit Against Seattle Public Schools

The lawsuit not only focuses on the abusive actions of Jones and Hall but also holds Seattle Public Schools accountable for negligence and failure to protect the student. It accuses the district of ignoring its own policies and turning a blind eye to inappropriate behavior. The claims include:

• Negligence: The lawsuit argues that the district failed to prevent the abuse, despite clear warning signs regarding the conduct of both coaches.
• Failure to Report Sexual Abuse: The district allegedly failed to report the misconduct to appropriate authorities, as required by law.
• "Extreme and Outrageous Conduct": SPS is accused of allowing abuse and discrimination based on disability, which compounded the emotional toll on the student.

Both coaches involved in the lawsuit are no longer employed by the district, and they face criminal charges for the alleged abuse.

SPS Response

In response to the lawsuit, Seattle Public Schools provided a statement emphasizing their commitment to student safety. The district refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case but acknowledged the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings:

"While the district will not comment on the specifics of a pending legal claim in the early phase of litigation, we take the safety and well-being of every student very seriously. SPS is aware of the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings involving the conduct of certain individuals, including a former SPS athletics staff member, and we do not condone any type of behavior that harms students, staff, or our community. The district will continue to work actively with all school leaders to ensure student safety remains the focus of our work."

Seeking Justice

The former Garfield High School student’s lawsuit sheds light on the need for schools to enforce strict policies and procedures to protect students from sexual abuse and misconduct. Schools have a legal and moral obligation to create safe environments for all students, and when they fail, victims and their families have the right to seek justice through civil lawsuits.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse in a school or similar setting, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney to understand your rights and the legal steps you can take to seek compensation.

Contact Oshan & Associates

At Oshan & Associates, we are dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Our compassionate team of attorneys will work tirelessly to hold negligent institutions accountable for their failure to protect students from harm. If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a confidential consultation.

Contact Oshan & Associates today at (206) 335-3880 to discuss your legal options and begin the journey toward justice.

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