West, TX - Andrew White, an ISD Teacher at West High School, Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Two Students

High School Teacher Charged With Sexually Assaulting Two Students

According to Waco Tribune-Herald, a teacher was arrested following accusations he sexually assaulted two students. The abuse occurred while he was an ISD teacher at West High School located at 1008 Jerry Mashek Dr, West, TX 76691. 

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 33-year old Andrew White was arrested for sexually assaulting two female students at the high school he taught. One victim alleged that White and her had multiple occasions of sexual misconduct from November 2020 to spring 2021. She reported that he not only sent her poems and letters but, on one occasion, pulled her into a closet at the school and exposing himself to her. She alleged that White touched her genitals while forcing her to touch his. During an interview, it was reported that White confessed to having sexual relations with the child. 

The second victim alleged that the abuse took place in the school from December 2020 to May 2021. Waco Tribune-Herald also reported that White confessed to inappropriately touching her, too. 

White is facing charges of:

• indecency with a child
• sexual assault of a child
• sexual performance of a child and
• two counts of an inappropriate relationship between educator and student

Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Abused by a Teacher

Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam is an experienced sexual assault attorney representing families and victims sexually abused by a teacher. During a recent interview, we asked Anjali to provide insight regarding the victim's legal rights.

"Schools, and their administration, have a legal duty to provide protection to the students while providing a safe learning environment. Teachers and other staff are positions that gain power and trust from their students. While most teachers are trustworthy, the few use their positions of power to exploit children sexually. Schools must implement preventative measures that provide a level of safety from these predators. Some of these measures can include conducting background checks, installing cameras throughout the campus, and using reporting systems."

"If a teacher sexually assaults a student, the victim has a legal right to inquire about the safety measures in place. If the school did not provide enough safety, they could be considered liable. Too often, misconduct happens due to a negligent third party. An example of negligence includes if a teacher had been previously reported but allowed to continue working. In cases of negligence, the victim and their family may have sufficient grounds for a civil lawsuit against the school and may even receive compensation for damages."

Sources:

Waco Tribune-Herald