Allegations Rise Against Santa Barbara Unified School District for Enabling Sexual Abuse of Student-Athletes

Disturbing Allegations Against Santa Barbara Unified School District

In a serious and troubling incident, four former student-athletes have come forward with allegations revolving around extensive sexual abuse that occurred during their time at Dos Pueblos High School (DPHS). These claims are captured in a civil complaint filed against the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD), stating that the district was grossly negligent in its duty to protect students. The accusations concentrate on a former coach and security guard, Justin Sell, who served from 2005 to 2011.

The lawsuit alleges that SBUSD knew of various incidents yet failed to take appropriate action to safeguard its students. Justin Sell reportedly displayed inappropriate behavior, including physical contact with students, and in some instances, he was undeniable in his lewd conduct. Allegations include that Sell maintained an unsettlingly close presence around students, often spending unnecessary time near them without justifiable reason. Although parents and students raised concerns about his behavior multiple times, the district’s response was woefully inadequate.

Adam Slater, the Founding Partner of Slater Slater Schulman LLP, speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, remarked, "The Santa Barbara Unified School District failed to uphold its mandatory duty to protect these students by properly investigating the significant volume of warnings from students and faculty." He highlighted that the School District not only disregarded the complaints but actively allowed a culture of abuse to proliferate within the football program.

As detailed in the lawsuit, the plaintiffs experienced difficulty in severing ties with Sell due to the significant power dynamics at play. This situation was exacerbated by Sell's behavior, which included an alarming history of grooming. Notably, during team showers after practice, he would position himself in the doorway, making players feel uncomfortable. Moreover, instances where he allegedly struck students during workouts in the gym were reported to have occurred numerous times, all in the presence of other coaching staff.

The timeline of negligence extends back to the school year of 2009-2010 when it was documented that Sell was seen transporting students unlawfully. This conduct, which broke school policies, was communicated to school management repeatedly—yet, despite these actions, there were no substantial repercussions. Even after an employee evaluation in 2009 advised Sell to maintain proper boundaries, he continued to engage in inappropriate behavior.

The fallout from Sell's actions greatly affected the plaintiffs, incurring severe physical and mental injuries that have led to ongoing emotional distress and extensive medical treatment costs, both past and future. Adding to the unsettling narrative, Sell was convicted in 2014 of sexually abusing students and is currently a registered sex offender, a status that serves as a damning conclusion to the allegations.

For any individual seeking support regarding sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), is available at 800.656.HOPE (4673). This hotline offers confidential support and connections to local resources for survivors, underlining the need for comprehensive help in the aftermath of such traumatic events.

The case points to a broader, systemic issue within educational institutions when it comes to addressing and preventing sexual misconduct. The lawsuit's outcomes could not only lead to justice for the plaintiffs but potentially prompt meaningful changes within the Santa Barbara Unified School District regarding the safeguarding of its students in the future.

As this matter unfolds, Slater Slater Schulman LLP stands determined to seek justice for their clients and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence and misconduct.