Secret sex abuse settlements keep public in the dark about big payouts at schools

"Out of public view, the board unanimously approved a $3-million settlement with provisions intended to keep the community in the dark forever. Under the terms of the agreement, the women, their lawyers and families were prohibited from disclosing any aspect of the deal. "The Parties agree that they will respond to any inquiries they may receive from any third parties regarding the lawsuit by stating only that 'the matter has been resolved' without any further elaboration, discussion or disclosure," the settlement instructed."

"It was Visalia's fifth secret settlement in the last three years, one of a flurry that districts are quietly approving statewide. A Times investigation found that California's public schools, faced with a historic surge of sex abuse lawsuits, are increasingly using nondisclosure agreements and other tactics that celebrities and big corporations rely upon to protect their reputation. At least 25 districts have resolved suits or other claims in ways that hinder taxpayers from learning about the allegations, the cost of settling them or both."

A public school board approved a $3 million settlement that barred victims, lawyers and families from disclosing any aspect of the deal and instructed them to respond to inquiries only by saying "the matter has been resolved." Multiple districts have adopted similar secrecy tactics. At least 25 districts resolved suits or claims in ways that limit taxpayer access to allegations or settlement amounts, totaling more than $53 million. Legal experts warn such nondisclosure practices can violate state law and that some settlements merit investigation by the state attorney general. Courts still recognize a public right to know about allegations against government employees.

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