St. George's School Sex Abuse Lawsuit
St. George’s School, a private, Episcopal, coed boarding school in Middletown, Rhode Island, has faced numerous allegations of widespread sexual misconduct by staff members spanning decades. Survivors of abuse at St. George’s may have legal options for seeking accountability and compensation.
- St. George’s School, an elite boarding school in Rhode Island, has been the subject of multiple lawsuits involving dozens of victims of alleged sexual abuse by staff.
- Rhode Island’s new revival window for child sexual abuse lawsuits gives survivors of abuse at St. George’s until July 2028 to file a lawsuit against the people who perpetrated and enabled the abuse, no matter how long ago it occurred.
- If you or a loved one endured sexual abuse at St. George’s School, you have legal rights and options for holding the responsible parties accountable.
St. George’s School in Rhode Island has faced years of scandal over dozens of allegations that children were molested and raped by school staff for decades, from the 1970s to the early 2000s, and that school leadership covered up the abuse. The costly private school has about 400 students in grades 9 through 12.
Overview of Sexual Abuse Allegations and Lawsuits Against St. George’s School
In 2016, St. George’s School agreed to a settlement with up to 30 former students over sexual abuse accusations. The settlement amount was confidential, though victims’ attorneys described it as “very significant financial compensation.” One attorney representing the victims said they identified credible complaints against 12 former staff members over 35 years. The allegations included rape by an athletic trainer and threats by school officials in response to complaints.
The Rhode Island state police led a seven-month criminal investigation into the school in 2015. That probe yielded no charges because many of the accused staff are dead, and other cases were too old to prosecute.
Investigations into Abuse at St. George’s
In the same year as the settlement, St. George’s hired a law firm to investigate sexual misconduct at the school over the prior 50 years. The investigation documented over 60 alleged incidents of sexual abuse at St. George’s school, accusing six faculty and staff members of molestation and rape. Many of the allegations concern Al Gibbs, the school’s athletic trainer from 1973 to 1980.
The report found that one out of every five girls who were students at St. George’s between 1972 and 1979 reported sexual abuse by Gibbs. Alumni claimed that St. George’s former headmaster failed to fire Gibbs until multiple people complained, and the school board even gave him a letter of recommendation and a financial award for his service when they terminated him. Though the school terminated most reported abusers like Gibbs, they did so without reporting crimes in a way that would prevent them from continuing to work with children.
In total, the investigation revealed 51 known accusers and identified 10 alleged abusers who served as staff members at the school, including William Lydgate, Timothy Tefft, Rev. Howard White, Al Gibbs, Franklin Coleman, Susan Goddard, Charles Thompson, and Robert Weston.
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Can I File A Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse at St. George’s School?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse at St. George’s School if you or your child experienced abuse by staff. Potential defendants include the school, its administrators, oversight agencies, and the individual perpetrators, depending on the circumstances of your case.
The school and its officials may be liable for covering up the abuse or failing to take reasonable steps to protect students, such as properly responding to and investigating complaints and reporting the abuse to law enforcement. has moved out of the state
Survivors still likely have legal options even if the abuse occurred years ago or the abuser has since died.
How a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help
In recent years, Rhode Island has changed its laws affecting survivors’ ability to bring civil claims, allowing more survivors to seek justice. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate whether a claim may still be possible for the abuse you endured. Contact Helping Survivors for a free case review with our experienced partner attorneys.
Legal Rights & Options for St. George’s School Students Impacted by Sexual Abuse
In June 2026, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed legislation expanding the state’s statute of limitations rules for childhood sexual abuse claims. The law opened a two-year revival window that runs until June 30, 2028, and revives previously time-barred claims.
During that period, eligible victims may be able to bring certain civil lawsuits against individuals, institutions, organizations, or other parties connected to alleged childhood sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it occurred. Beyond private schools, this lookback window also applies to claims involving child abuse in foster care and other state-supervised institutions.
Survivors may also wish to report the abuse to the relevant oversight agencies and law enforcement.
Report Abuse to Oversight Agencies
Under Rhode Island law, every person is a mandated reporter of suspected or known child abuse or neglect. Educators are required to report school sexual abuse to superiors, such as the Headmaster or principal, who must then report to the Department of Children, Youth & Families within 24 hours.
Anyone can report child abuse to the DCYF by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-742-4453 (1-800-R.I.CHILD).
You can also contact St. George’s School at 401-847-7565, although the school does not have a designated contact for reporting abuse.
Report Abuse to Law Enforcement
Survivors can report sexual abuse at St. George’s School to the Middletown, Rhode Island, Police Department by calling the anonymous tip line at 401-842-6516 or the non-emergency line at 401-846-1144.
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