Teacher Accused of Sexual Harassment Denied Request to Keep Details Private

CALIFORNIA – A Santa Monica High School teacher attempted to have a parent’s request for information regarding sexual harassment allegations blocked, but a court sided with the parent, saying the information should be public.

A California appeals court has ruled that Ari Marken’s sexual harassment incident should be public. Last spring, Marken tried to stop a parent from requesting information about the incident, saying it was a violation of privacy but the judge ruled that the public’s right to know about the harassment outweighed the violation of the teacher’s privacy.

Marken, a ninth-grade math teacher, was placed on administrative leave in October 2008 following accusations that he sexually harassed a 13-year-old female student. In November of that same year, an investigator hired by the Santa Monica-Malibu School District wrote that the harassment “more likely than not did occur.” As a result, Marken was issued a written reprimand and was banned from future contact with the student. Marken denied the allegations.

Two years later, Michael Chwe, a professor of political science at UCLA and the father of two children who attend Santa Monica High School, filed a request to obtain copies of the investigation. Marken tried to have the requests blocked in court but a judge ruled on Tuesday that the information would in fact be made public.

Sexual harassment can be something as minor as a lewd joke to something as severe as rape. The important thing to remember is that all sexual harassment incidents are unwanted and unwelcome. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual harassment, contact a sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible to file a claim.

Sexual harassment lawyers make sure the perpetrator is stopped and brought to justice. They also make sure victims obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Sexual harassment lawyers know how traumatizing a hostile work environment can be and will fight for your rights to ensure your case is resolved with the best possible outcome.

Call to schedule a consultation with a leading sexual harassment lawyer today.

Tags: Accusations, California Appeals Court, Grade Math Teacher, Harassment Incidents, High School Teacher, Hostile Work Environment, Last Spring, Malibu, Marken, Monica High School, Ninth Grade Math, Perpetrator, Political Science, Reprimand, Santa Monica High School, Sexual Harassment Allegations, Sexual Harassment Lawyer, Sexual Harassment Lawyers, Ucla, Violation Of Privacy

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