Recent Allegations of Abuse and Neglect at Calvert Hall College High School
A new lawsuit filed against Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Maryland, alleges decades of sexual abuse by faculty and staff members. The lawsuit was filed by survivors who claim they were subjected to abuse during their time at the school.
The lawsuit accuses Calvert Hall of failing to respond to credible reports of sexual abuse, allowing known abusers continued access to students, and not reporting incidents to authorities. Survivors allege that their attempts to speak out were silenced, dismissed, or met with intimidation, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked for years. This institutional negligence on Calvert Hall’s part leaves the school and its affiliates liable for the harm that occurred on their watch, according to the suit.
If you or someone you love was sexually abused at Calvert Hall, you are not alone, and you deserve justice.
The History of Sexual Abuse Within Calvert Hall College High School
In the lawsuit against Calvert Hall College High School, 14 victims claim that the abuse they endured spanned several decades, with incidents dating back over 50 years. Many survivors argue that the school prioritized its reputation over the safety of its students, and the institution’s lack of action contributed to the prolonged suffering of those involved.
“For too long, Calvert Hall prioritized its reputation over the safety of its students. Justice shouldn’t have an expiration date,” said a representative of the survivors. “The survivors coming forward today are breaking decades of silence—and they deserve a full, fair chance at justice.”
“Look at me as a 15-year-old who had his innocence and his Christianity and his faith stolen away from him by a monster, who never has had any accountability—and the institution that allowed it to happen hasn’t either,” said Christopher Bateman, one of the survivors who filed the lawsuit.
Calvert Hall’s Response to Sexual Abuse Allegations
In response to the lawsuit, Calvert Hall issued a statement expressing deep regret over the alleged abuse. “We are deeply saddened and sorry that in the past, young men at Calvert Hall were victims of abuse,” the statement read. “Their suffering and pain are real and remain with them today. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all victims, and we pray for God’s healing grace on them and their families.”
The school also acknowledged documented cases of abuse from decades ago but emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in the present day. “We take all allegations seriously and have complied fully with all requests from legal authorities, including the Maryland Attorney General’s office related to its investigation of child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore,” Calvert Hall said in the statement.
Calvert Hall also highlighted its efforts to maintain policies and procedures to ensure student safety, including background checks and regular training protocols. As of July 2025, the case against the school remains pending in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
Developments in the Calvert Hall College Sexual Abuse Claims
The Calvert Hall College High School lawsuit alleges a pattern of abuse spanning from the 1940s to the early 2000s, involving at least five staff members, including priests, brothers, and teachers. Additionally, the victims say Calvert Hall systematically failed to protect children from this abuse.
The lawsuit names five Calvert Hall staff members who allegedly routinely abused the plaintiffs: Father Laurence Brett, Father Jerome Toohey, Father Francis LeFevre, Brother Geoffrey Xavier Langan, and lay teacher Stephen Arnold. Survivors allege that school leadership repeatedly ignored credible reports of abuse, allowed known abusers continued access to students, and failed to report misconduct to authorities.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse while attending Calvert Hall College High School, you’re not alone. Helping Survivors is here to provide support, resources, and connections with our partner law firms so you can seek justice.
Legal Options for Survivors | The Road Ahead
The survivors who brought the lawsuit against Calvert Hall are determined to hold the institution accountable for failing to protect vulnerable students. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for other schools and organizations that have faced similar allegations of abuse.
The allegations against Calvert Hall are a reminder of the lasting trauma caused by sexual abuse and the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one faced abuse at Calvert Hall, you have options for moving forward, healing, and seeking justice. Some of these options include:
- Civil lawsuits to seek monetary damages and institutional accountability
- Confidential legal consultations to understand your options without obligation
- Therapeutic resources for trauma recovery and mental health support
- Support groups and survivor networks that offer connection and solidarity
At Helping Survivors, we are here to listen, believe, and empower. We work with advocates and legal partners who have deep experience navigating cases involving the Catholic Church, religious institutions, and private schools. We can help survivors take the first step.
What is the Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for Calvert Hall Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse survivors have legal rights that can be exercised through both civil and criminal avenues. By reporting the abuse to law enforcement, you can begin a criminal investigation into the abuse that may prompt criminal charges against the perpetrator. Prosecutors ultimately decide whether to bring charges, so survivors have little power over the process.
However, survivors also have the option to pursue a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, which can help hold institutions accountable for negligence, cover-ups, and enabling abuse. Under Maryland law, civil lawsuits allow survivors to pursue monetary compensation for emotional trauma, medical treatment, therapy, and other long-term effects of the abuse.
In 2023, Maryland passed the Child Victims Act, which eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse. In February 2025, the Maryland Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Maryland Child Victims Act. The ruling confirmed that child sexual abuse victims can file suit no matter how long ago the abuse happened. Thus, if you have experienced abuse at Calvert Hall College High School, you can file suit regardless of when it occurred.
Helping Survivors can connect you with trauma-informed legal professionals who understand the complexities of institutional abuse cases and can guide survivors through the legal process with care and discretion.
How Helping Survivors Can Support You
If you or someone you know was affected by abuse in Calvert Hall or other educational institutions, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Helping Survivors is here to connect you with trauma-informed legal professionals with experience handling sexual abuse cases.
Contact us today for confidential support and assistance as you navigate your journey toward justice and healing.
