Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Alleges District Failed to Protect Student

A federal lawsuit alleging civil rights violations and negligence has been filed against the Bainbridge Island School District, accusing the institution of failing to shield a vulnerable student from alleged misconduct by an educator. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, concerns a former Bainbridge High School student identified in court filings as A.A.

The legal action alleges that A.A. was groomed and sexually abused by a former chemistry teacher, Steve Hohl. According to reports, Hohl retired from the district in 2005 and also served as a wrestling coach. The complaint asserts that the alleged sexual contact began during the plaintiff's junior year, when she was 16.

School District Accused of Enabling Abuse

While the allegations against the former educator are central to the case, the lawsuit names the school district as the sole defendant and directs its primary criticism there. The filing claims that district administrators "knew or should have known" the teacher posed a danger to students. Instead of intervening, the district allegedly allowed the educator to maintain his position, fostering what the complaint describes as a "toxic and misogynistic culture of abuse."

The lawsuit argues that the district breached its legal duty to act in the place of a parent while students are in its custody. By allegedly ignoring alarming behavior, the filing claims the district enabled an environment where abuse could occur.

Potential for Additional Victims

Court documents state that the former teacher is alleged to have sexually abused other students who attended Bainbridge High School. Attorneys for the plaintiff filed a joint status report that references two other parallel cases currently proceeding in Kitsap County Superior Court involving the district and the same former teacher.

The complaint further states that when the former teacher was deposed under oath in related proceedings, he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when asked if he had sexual contact with A.A.

District Denies Allegations

The Bainbridge Island School District has denied the allegations of wrongdoing. In its formal answer to the complaint, the district argues that even if the teacher's alleged conduct occurred, it fell outside the course and scope of his employment, suggesting the district itself should not be held liable.

The district also asserts standard affirmative defenses, including claims that the lawsuit is barred by the statute of limitations.

Trial Scheduled for 2027

The case is scheduled for a 15-day jury trial on March 16, 2027. Late last month, the court entered a protective order to ensure sensitive student and personnel records remain confidential during the ongoing discovery process.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for severe emotional distress and the deprivation of educational opportunities.

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