Case 5: The Horace Mann School Scandal
Time & Location: 1970s-1990s, New York, USA
Victim: Multiple students
Background: The Horace Mann School, a prestigious private school in New York City, was embroiled in a scandal involving decades of sexual abuse by faculty members. The abuse, which occurred from the 1970s through the 1990s, was revealed in a 2012 New York Times Magazine article. The investigation uncovered that numerous students had been molested by teachers, and that the school’s administration had failed to take appropriate action despite being aware of the allegations.
Current Status: Following the revelations, the Horace Mann School faced intense public scrutiny and legal action from the victims. The school issued apologies and created a compensation fund for survivors, but many felt that the response was inadequate. The scandal led to broader discussions about abuse in private schools and the need for better protective measures and support systems for students. Several former faculty members were identified and removed from their positions, and some faced criminal charges.
