Two teachers face abuse charges, a viral TikTok sparks outrage, and parents demand answers in a shocking Oregon school scandal.#News #ColumbiaCountyOR #Oregon #Crime
COLUMBIA COUNTY, ORTwo Oregon teachers have been arrested on charges of sexually abusing nine underage girls, triggering outrage among parents, students, and community members. Allegations of misconduct spanning nearly a decade at St. Helens High School have surfaced, along with claims that school administrators were aware of the abuse for years but failed to act.
Eric Stearns, a choir teacher, and Mark Collins, a recently retired educator, face serious charges following a police investigation. The school community is now grappling with allegations of negligence and complicity, as students and parents demand accountability from district officials.
A History of Ignored Complaints and Inaction
Reports suggest that the administration had been alerted to potential abuse as early as 2019 but failed to take meaningful action. Complaints about inappropriate behavior were reportedly dismissed, and law enforcement was not contacted despite the allegations. Even after police began investigating Stearns, he was allowed to remain in the classroom until his arrest.
TikTok s Role in Exposing the Allegations
The scandal at St. Helens High School only came to light after a viral TikTok video by Doug Weaver, a former student, sparked new allegations. Weaver, who attended the school in the early 2000s, accused the district of protecting predatory teachers during his time there.
His video prompted current students to share accounts of abuse, ultimately leading to a police investigation. Authorities confirmed that Weaver s tip included information about a teacher with the last name Stearns, which was instrumental in initiating the probe.
Authorities allege that Stearns targeted six girls over nearly a decade, while Collins is accused of abusing three students during his tenure.
This is not the first time the district has faced such allegations. In 2019, another teacher was convicted of sexual abuse, resulting in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit settlement with the victim.
Community Outrage Boils Over at Public Meeting
The scandal has deeply shaken the St. Helens community. A recent school board meeting erupted in anger as parents and students confronted administrators over their handling of abuse complaints.
Several attendees accused school officials of enabling misconduct through negligence and alleged cover-ups. Tearful accounts from victims families and students highlighted the personal toll of years of unchecked abuse.
In response to the arrests, students organized a walkout, joined by parents and community members demanding resignations from district officials. As protests continued, the school principal and district superintendent were placed on paid leave, and the school board chairman announced plans to resign.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The arrests of Stearns and Collins have shone a spotlight on what some describe as a culture of misconduct at St. Helens High School. Allegations of inappropriate behavior by faculty stretch back decades, including reports of other teachers engaging in troubling actions.
The former student behind the viral TikTok has alleged systemic failures within the district, claiming that problematic behavior was routinely overlooked.
As the community demands justice for victims, questions remain about how such issues were allowed to persist for so long. Parents and students are calling for significant reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of future generations.
The investigation continues, and many hope this marks a turning point for accountability within the district. For now, the community remains united in seeking justice and creating a safer environment for all students.
RELATED TOPICS:Crime|Oregon
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