For a second time in recent weeks, MPS’s Rufus King International High School is in the news and once again it’s not good news.
Reported by WISN’s Amy Fleury, “a Rufus King International High School teacher is accused of sexually assaulting three 17-year old students.”
School resource officers already on the school’s premises alerted MPD to a report of sexual assaults. MPD arrested a 28 year old man in connection to that report. It’s not clear of his identity or his affiliation with the school.
Principal Doreen Badillo sent out a letter Thursday to parents:
“Dear Rufus King International High School Staff and Families,
“We continue to take action to keep our school a safe and welcoming place, and I want to update you about a serious situation.”
“Today, we received a report that a staff member allegedly touched students inappropriately. The behavior reported to us is absolutely unacceptable, and we will take all appropriate action. We immediately contacted the Milwaukee Police Department school resource officers (SROs) in our building, and alerted Child Protective Services. This individual is not currently working in the school. Beyond any police action, we are conducting our own investigation.
Parents expressed shock and concern, with one specifically noting this as the second incident this month. Earlier in October, 23 year old Amy Jones (a former student) walked into the school, signed in as a substitute teacher, and taught multiple periods. She allegedly used racial slurs, sexualized language, separated students by race and gender, and made other inappropriate comments. She faces multiple felony charges. MPS later acknowledged that office staff did not follow proper protocol for verifying the substitute.
The latest arrest also comes roughly a year after another former Rufus King teacher pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct charges involving multiple male student athletes. That case involved inappropriate texts, gifts, and physical contact. The teacher was sentenced and lost her teaching license.
Rufus King is one of the higher performing high schools in Milwaukee Public Schools, known for its International Baccalaureate program. The school serves roughly 1,300 students.
As of Friday, the suspect’s identity had not been publicly released. Milwaukee police said the investigation remains active and that any charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
The school says it will be providing support to the students involved.
