First Step in Internal Investigations

Another lawsuit against a youth organization highlights why we advise our clients that the first step in an internal investigation is to suspend the alleged perpetrator. The suit alleges that a gym allowed a cheerleading coach to groom and molest a male student enrolled in the program. The news report presents only one side of the story, but the student’s parents claim that the gym did not notify parents about an earlier complaint filed by another family.  

It’s impossible to know at this point what happened, or whether notice to parents would have prevented any further abuse. What we do know is that organizations have an obligation to be transparent with the clients and parents they serve. We always have to balance that transparency with privacy concerns and cooperation with law enforcement. But it is never a good idea to shut down communications in order to protect the organization.