Federal Investigation Reveals Systemic Failures in North Kingstown School District’s Handling of ‘Naked Fat Test’ Allegations
Providence, R.I. – A federal civil rights investigation has uncovered significant shortcomings in the North Kingstown School District’s response to allegations of sexual misconduct by former high school basketball coach Aaron Thomas. The probe, initiated in 2022, examined whether the district adequately addressed reports of inappropriate behavior involving Thomas, who is accused of conducting "naked fat tests" on students.
The investigation revealed that the district’s responses to Thomas’s conduct were part of a broader failure to implement harassment and reporting policies effectively. Specifically, the district lacked uniform procedures for investigating and documenting allegations of sex-based harassment, with practices varying depending on the administrator handling the complaint. Additionally, there was no meaningful oversight within the athletic department, and records of investigations were often incomplete and disorganized.
Despite these systemic issues, the district has taken steps to address the failures. These include restructuring the athletic department, holding weekly meetings with the superintendent, and providing training on a new anti-discriminatory policy to all students from sixth to 12th grade, as well as faculty, staff, and coaches. The training covers essential information about revised policies, clear instructions on reporting concerns, and real-life scenarios to help participants understand appropriate boundaries and how to identify and report harassment and discrimination.
The investigation’s findings have led to significant leadership changes within the district. Superintendent Phil Auger resigned amid the ongoing scandal, and Assistant Superintendent Denise Mancieri also stepped down. These departures followed the release of an independent report that criticized the district’s handling of the allegations against Thomas. The report highlighted that the district allowed the "naked fat testing" to continue for over 20 years, despite it being an "open secret" among students and the community. (providencejournal.com)
The federal investigation has concluded, but U.S. Attorney General Zachary Cunha noted that this resolution does not preclude further legal action in the future. The district is now under increased scrutiny to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
North Kingstown School District Faces Scrutiny Over ‘Naked Fat Test’ Scandal:
- Federal probe finds NK school district failed students in ‘naked fat test’ scandal | WPRI.com
- New lawsuit filed in North Kingstown ‘naked fat test’ scandal | WPRI.com
- Former NK student sues town, schools over ‘naked fat test’ scandal | WPRI.com
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