This report is the only comprehensive account of a half-century of abuse and coverup at the Horace Mann School. It was commissioned so that the causes could be understood rather than the acts simply lamented.
We encourage you to read the sections that are of greatest interest and relevance to you, paying particular attention to how the Findings, Recommendations and Best Practices sections relate to schools where you may be a parent, alumnus, student, faculty or staff.
An investigation into sexual abuse at the Horace Mann School
with recommendations for how independent schools can protect our children.
The main section of the report is a case study, which we hope will be used as a teaching tool in educational administration and leadership programs. It is intended not only as a comprehensive record but as the basis for discussions about educational policy, leadership and ethics. The section was written by Laura Winig, who has written many such studies for the Kennedy School of Government and other institutions.
A survey of recent incidents at comparable independent schools, prepared by Suzanne Leinwand under the direction of Cardozo Law Professor Marci Hamilton.
A distillation of widely accepted policies to protect students. It is based on the research by Professor Charol Shakeshaft of Virginia Commonwealth University, an expert in student sex abuse prevention.
Prepared by Lead Investigator Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder, this section delineates the results of the investigation and makes recommendations for improving the safety of students at all schools.
The Appendices contain additional information about student sexual abuse at Horace Mann and other similar schools, including a List of Reports of Abuse received by the Horace Mann Administration.
