Lawsuit Claims Inadequate Protection Against Alleged Abuse by Ex-Athletic Director and Coach
Delphi Academy, a private school in Los Angeles, is facing a lawsuit filed by the law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard on behalf of a former student who allegedly suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Randolph Clifford Jackson, the school’s former basketball coach and Athletic Director. The lawsuit, filed on October 18, 2024, in Los Angeles County, alleges a disturbing pattern of abuse and institutional negligence.
The lawsuit claims that John Doe, the former student, was repeatedly sexually molested by Jackson during the 2011-2012 school year. Jackson allegedly exploited his position to isolate Doe, providing car rides and assigning him as an athletic department assistant. The abuse occurred on school grounds, including the Athletics office, sports shed, and boys’ restroom.
The complaint alleges that Karen Dale, Delphi Academy’s Head, was aware of Jackson’s misconduct but failed to take appropriate action. Instead of addressing the issue, Dale reportedly recommended Jackson for a position at Albert Einstein Academy in Santa Clarita after his contract at Delphi expired. This recommendation allegedly enabled Jackson to continue his predatory behavior, leading to the molestation of six additional boys between 13 and 17 years old at Albert Einstein Academy. Jackson was eventually arrested in February 2015 and sentenced to 17 years and eight months in state prison.
The lawsuit details Jackson’s predatory tactics, including:
- Spending time alone with students
- Exposing himself
- Making sexually inappropriate comments
- Showing pornographic images to minors
- Lavishing gifts and meals on male students
Attorney Mark Boskovich condemned Delphi Academy’s alleged failure to protect students, stating, “This is a classic case of ‘passing the trash.’ A sexual predator could have been stopped, but instead, he was given a second chance to harm innocent children.”
It’s worth noting that Delphi Academy is part of a network of private schools that utilize Study Technology, a teaching method developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
The lawsuit seeks justice for John Doe and aims to hold Delphi Academy accountable for its alleged failure to protect students from sexual abuse. This case highlights the critical importance of institutional responsibility in safeguarding children and the potential consequences of failing to address misconduct allegations promptly and appropriately.
By implementing evidence-based measures, schools can create a comprehensive approach to preventing sexual abuse and protecting students. It’s important to note that no single strategy is sufficient on its own – a multi-faceted, whole-school approach is necessary for effective prevention.
Here are four measures that could go a long ways to preventing sexual abuse in schools:
- Comprehensive policies and procedures: Schools should have clear, detailed policies on sexual abuse prevention, reporting, and response. These policies should define inappropriate behaviors, outline reporting procedures, and specify consequences.
- Staff training: All school employees should receive regular training on recognizing signs of abuse, proper boundaries with students, mandatory reporting requirements, and how to respond to disclosures.
- Student education: Age-appropriate prevention education should be provided to students, teaching them about body safety, consent, and how to recognize and report inappropriate behavior.
- Screening and hiring practices: Schools should conduct thorough background checks and implement rigorous screening processes when hiring staff who will work with children
Boskovich urges anyone with information about Jackson’s time at Delphi Academy to come forward. Contact the law firm at (408) 289-1417.