An unsettling turn of events recently unfolded at the Oakridge School, a private educational institution in Arlington. David James Languell, 52, who formerly served as the school’s director of facilities until 2020, was taken into custody last week under charges of online solicitation of a minor and sexual assault of a child-forcible rape [1]. The announcement of Languell’s arrest, delivered in a letter to parents from school officials, has raised concerns about student safety, trust, and accountability in educational environments.
The Alleged Misconduct and School’s Response
Languell, who also happens to be a parent of a current Oakridge student, began his employment with the school in July 2011 and remained in his role until September 2020. His separation from the institution was said to be for reasons unrelated to student safety, as stated by school authorities. The alleged misconduct took place with an upper school student after Languell’s tenure had ended.
As shocking as these charges are, it’s worth noting that the school’s administration has cooperated fully with law enforcement since the allegations first came to light in February 2022. This cooperation followed an outcry made by the victim, sparking an immediate investigation.
The School’s Commitment to Safety and the Path Ahead
The administration’s commitment to ensuring student safety was evident in their swift actions. According to Matt Burgy, head of Oakridge School, the administration promptly provided the results of their investigation to both Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Arlington Police Department. The school also acted swiftly to minimize any potential risk, issuing a limited no-trespass order to Languell in February, which was later escalated to a full no-trespassing ban in partnership with the Arlington Police Department in April 2022.
How Texas Employment Attorneys Can Assist
In such troubling times, legal counsel plays a critical role in ensuring the rights and safety of all parties involved are preserved. The Arlington employment attorneys at USAttorneys.com possess the expertise and experience to navigate complex situations like these. They can assist schools in enforcing strict safety protocols and compliance with the law, support victims and their families by ensuring their rights are protected and legal recourse is pursued, and also provide counsel to the accused.
Legal professionals such as those at USAttorneys.com can guide institutions in implementing and reinforcing stringent policies that foster a safe environment for all students. They are well-versed in employment laws and policies, which can help institutions like Oakridge School take preventive measures to avoid such unfortunate incidents in the future.
As the legal process unfolds, the school’s primary focus remains on supporting and protecting their students and working with local authorities on the ongoing investigation. At the same time, individuals, families, and institutions may rely on the guidance and support of Texas employment attorneys at USAttorneys.com.
The Road to Restoration
This distressing occurrence reinforces that no matter the reputation or the safety protocols in place, we must continually seek to uphold and improve the safety and wellbeing of students within all our educational institutions.
At a time when the world is grappling with multiple challenges, let’s commit to nurturing safer and more supportive spaces for our children to learn, grow, and thrive. The role of trusted legal partners like Texas employment attorneys at USAttorneys.com becomes indispensable in maintaining accountability, ensuring justice, and guiding the path to recovery in such situations.
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