'Habitual pattern': Enid High School teacher on paid leave pending sexual misconduct investigation
ENID, Okla. (KFOR) — An Enid High School teacher is on paid administrative leave as police investigate sexual misconduct allegations.
Enid Police Department Public Relations Coordinator Cass Rains told News 4 that officers took a report of alleged sexual misconduct at Enid High School on April 9.
"The case was assigned to our detectives division, and the investigation is ongoing," said Rains.
The Enid Police Department is unable to release any of the suspect's information at this time. The incident report has also not been finished yet, according to Rains.
We do everything we can to ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff. When the accusation was brought forward we immediately began cooperating with the proper authorities including the Enid Police Department. We have been in communication with all parties involved. The employee has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and because it is a personnel matter we cannot comment any further at this time.
Enid Public Schools
Chandra Nazario is a mom of two Enid High School students, and says the school district has a "habitual pattern" of hiding sexual misconduct allegations.
"It has been placed on social media. All of the students already know about the incident," said Nazario. "I feel like there is a habitual pattern within Enid Public Schools. Honestly, we're trying to sweep these issues under the rug and not address them in the forefront."
Nazario claims she was sexually assaulted by a former Enid Public Schools educator when she was a student.
"I'm concerned. Not only because of the current allegations with the current teacher, but also because of my past experience with Enid Public Schools and they, literally dropping the ball on me," she added.
Nazario said, with two students attending Enid High School, she and other parents should have been notified when the allegations first surfaced.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Nazario stated no one from the school district had notified her and that she only knew through her kids and social media.
"If [Enid Public Schools] would just build up that communication and trust with us that we would feel more secure about leaving our children in their hands," explained Nazario. "Obviously, they have victims to protect, but they need to communicate in some way."
If the investigation shows substantiating evidence there was sexual misconduct between an Enid High School teacher and a student, Nazario is hoping that individual is registered as a sex offender and not allowed to transfer to another school district.
Enid Police are currently working to finalize the incident report in this case.