$5-million settlement reached after San Jose teacher impregnated student: law firm
A $5.75-million settlement was reached with the Campbell Union High School District after a teacher allegedly impregnated a 15-year-old student in 2003.Summary
A $5.75-million settlement has been reached between the Campbell Union High School District and a former student who alleged she was repeatedly raped by her teacher, Shawn Thomas, at Leigh High School in San Jose during the 2002-2003 school year. The lawsuit claimed Thomas forced the student to have an abortion. The victim’s sister stated the settlement is a step towards reclaiming her life and holding the district accountable for its failures to protect her. Thomas, 58, was arrested in 2024 while employed as a teacher and coach at other schools. The lawsuit alleges that Thomas’s wife, who was the Dean of Leigh High School at the time, discovered the abuse in progress but blamed the victim instead of reporting it. Attorneys for the victim stated that the school ignored numerous “red flags” indicating Thomas was a sexual predator. Thomas is scheduled to stand trial in February 2026 on charges of rape and sexual assault of a minor.
(Source：Kron4)