Case 10: The North Carolina School for the Deaf Scandal
Time & Location: 1990s-2000s, North Carolina, USA
Victim: Dozens of deaf students
Background: The North Carolina School for the Deaf was the center of a prolonged sexual abuse scandal that came to light in the early 2000s. Over several decades, staff members at the school were found to have abused numerous students, taking advantage of their disabilities. The abuse included both physical and sexual misconduct, often covered up by the administration, which failed to report the incidents to authorities.
Current Status: Multiple staff members were arrested and convicted of various charges related to the abuse. The school faced lawsuits from victims and their families, resulting in significant financial settlements. The scandal led to increased scrutiny of special education institutions and reforms aimed at improving the protection and rights of disabled students.