Washington Schools and Youth Programs Are Failing to Protect Students: A Disturbing Pattern in Hiring Practices

More and more Washington State schools and youth organizations are facing mounting criticism and lawsuits for repeatedly failing in the most basic responsibility they owe families: keeping children safe. Recent reports have shed light on a troubling pattern of school districts and youth programs hiring coaches and staff with histories of sexual misconduct, or even criminal convictions involving minors.

Clark County Football Coach Scandal

Just last week, The Columbian reported that parents in Clark County were outraged to learn that a local youth football coach was a registered sex offender. The district allowed him to work directly with children, only for his criminal history to come to light after parents discovered it themselves. The betrayal has left many wondering: How did this slip through background checks, or worse, were proper checks even conducted?

Parents in the district say they feel “blindsided” and “sickened,” and rightfully so. When parents send their children to school or extracurricular activities, they trust that the schools and affiliated programs have done their due diligence. In this case, any many more like it, that essential trust was shattered.

Former Curtis High School Wrestling Coach, David O’Connor

Meanwhile in Pierce County, in 2023 Fox 13 Seattle reported on another devastating case: a former high school wrestler had come forward with allegations of abuse against his coach. Former coach David O’Connor was a diagnosed “sexual psychopath” and ordered to have no contact with any child under the age of 15, and yet, the University Place School District permitted him to coach young boys for years. The survivor spoke out not only to seek justice, but also to encourage other victims to come forward. Since then, numerous victims have come forward. 

What makes this case even more disturbing is that complaints and red flags about this coach reportedly existed for years. Yet, he remained in a position of authority, where he continued to harm students. This failure wasn’t just about one predator, it was about an entire system that allowed him unfettered access to children long after concerns were raised.

A Systemic Problem

These two cases aren’t isolated. They are part of a disturbing statewide pattern:

• Incomplete or negligent background checks by schools and youth athletic programs that fail to flag prior offenses.
• Lack of accountability when red flags are raised about staff behavior.
• Minimal transparency with parents and the community when risks are identified.

The result is devastating – children are being put in harm’s way by the very institutions entrusted to protect them.

The Cost of Failure

Every time a school district or organization “drops the ball” on vetting staff, the consequences ripple far beyond the individual case. Survivors of sexual abuse endure lifelong trauma. Families lose trust in schools. Taxpayers shoulder the cost of lawsuits. And most of all, predators learn that they can exploit cracks in the system to gain access to children. The institutions and organizations responsible for failing to keep our youth safe must be held accountable. 

Moving Forward

Parents and advocates are calling for:

• Stricter background checks with statewide standards, not district-by-district discretion.
• Independent oversight of school hiring practices.
• Clear reporting and accountability when complaints are raised against staff.
• Justice for survivors and families.

Until Washington schools take these steps seriously, the cycle will continue. Children will remain vulnerable, and families will be left asking the same heartbreaking question: How could this happen again?

Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel is Here to Help

If you are a parent who has concerns about the hiring practices of your child’s school or extracurricular program, or if you or your child is a survivor of sexual abuse by a coach, teacher, or school employee, it is important to understand that you have legal rights.

School districts and youth organizations have a duty to properly screen and supervise employees and volunteers who work with children. When they fail to do so, and students are harmed as a result, those institutions can and should be held accountable.

Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel represents survivors and families in cases of institutional sexual abuse. We provide confidential consultations to review your situation, explain your legal options, and advise you on the next steps toward seeking justice and protecting others from future harm.

To schedule a consultation with an attorney at Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, please contact our office: 253-472-6000.