Nov 19, 2006 - Two women have filed a lawsuit alleging that administrators failed to conduct an adequate investigation when one of their mothers came forward with concerns against Michael Griffin, a teacher who taught government and economy at Downey High School. Griffin is accused of having "sexual liasons" with the two girls in 2004. He was placed on unpaid leave in December 2005, 10 months after the lawsuit was filed
The lengthy article on teacher misconduct includes some startling facts.
According to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 367 teachers accused of sexual misconduct lost credentials in the past five years. The commission does not keep data about teachers accused of sexual relations with students, but 86 percent of the teachers who lost credentials from 2001 to June 2006 were accused of crimes involving children.The two girls were suspended for taping Griffin in 2004 in connection with their complaints.
UPDATE: Dec 21, 2006 - The lawsuit has been settled. To date, no criminal charges have been filed against the teacher. However, the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing has been notified about the case.
