Jacksonville Teacher Removed Due to Decade-Old Misconduct Allegations

Jacksonville Teacher Removed Due to Decade-Old Misconduct Allegations

Jacksonville, Fla. – A teacher at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts has been removed from the classroom amid serious allegations of inappropriate conduct stemming from nearly ten years ago. The accusations against Corey Thayer involve allegations from a former student who claimed he repeatedly forced her into sexual encounters while she was a freshman.

Who is Involved?

Corey Thayer, the teacher in question, has been a part of the Douglas Anderson community since 2008. He has recently found himself at the center of a troubling investigation that has its roots in accusations made by a former student, who reported her experiences during a sworn interview in October 2023. The interview revealed a distressing pattern of behavior exhibited by Thayer, which allegedly began when she was just 14 years old.

What Happened?

The allegations against Thayer describe a troubling progression of inappropriate behaviors. According to reports, he allegedly invited the student to sit on his lap, encouraged her to wear clothing that violated school dress codes because he liked how she looked, and engaged in physical contact such as piggyback rides and back rubs. The situation was reported to escalate, with multiple sexual encounters being alleged, including an incident in the school sound booth in November 2013.

Where and When Did This Occur?

These incidents took place at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, roughly a decade ago. The timeline of events shows repeated attempts by the victim’s mother to report these allegations to the school, starting in 2015 and culminating with a report to the school board in 2023, shortly after another teacher at the school, Jeffery Clayton, was arrested on unrelated charges.

Why Now?

The resurgence of these allegations follows a series of concerning reports from parents and alumni regarding staff conduct at the school. The Duval County School District had received multiple complaints regarding Thayer, signaling a broader issue at the institution. The school board acted upon these renewed allegations, with the former Superintendent issuing an order for Thayer’s immediate removal from the classroom.

Response from the District

The Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) released a statement regarding the ongoing investigation. They emphasized that procedures have been put into place to improve how such allegations are handled. “Today, students can report allegations directly to the district using an online reporting form,” the statement noted. Additionally, any employee facing such allegations is immediately reassigned away from student interaction.

The Current Situation

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, public records indicate that Thayer’s teaching license remains active in Florida. The Florida Department of Education has stated they were unable to proceed with an investigation after the alleged victim declined to cooperate with them. They affirmed that they take every report of teacher misconduct seriously, yet acknowledge the limitations in their ability to act without victim participation.

Looking Ahead

Community members and former students await the outcomes of ongoing investigations into Thayer and other teachers at Douglas Anderson. The situation underscores a pressing need for vigilance in protecting student welfare and implementing robust reporting structures within educational environments.

The story of Corey Thayer and the allegations against him highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing misconduct in schools and ensuring that victims feel safe coming forward.