BREAKING: A shocking lawsuit has been filed against the Fresno Unified School District, alleging failure to protect a 14-year-old student from sexual abuse by Ray Waller, a former photography teacher at Bullard High School. The lawsuit comes in the wake of Waller’s arrest in February 2023, facing a staggering 38 charges including sex with a minor and child molestation.
The victim’s claims accuse Fresno Unified of negligence, asserting that Waller, who allegedly had an illicit relationship with the student on school grounds for several months, was allowed to be alone with her without proper supervision. The lawsuit details how the school staff reportedly ignored suspicious activity, allowing Waller and the student to remain in a locked classroom for hours daily, often until 5:00 p.m..
According to the lawsuit, “The school saw [the student] leave Waller’s classroom on a daily basis…yet school staff never inquired.” This shocking oversight raises serious questions about student safety protocols within the district.
Waller, age 37, was arrested on multiple counts, including charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving child sexual abuse images. Federal authorities are pursuing their own case against him, which could result in a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years if convicted. Additionally, state charges may lead to another 25 years, as confirmed by a Fresno County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson.
In response to the lawsuit, a Fresno Unified spokesperson stated that Waller had received a career technical education teacher credential in August 2024 and passed a background check conducted by the Department of Justice and FBI prior to his hiring. The district claims they acted appropriately by placing Waller on a leave of absence immediately after receiving notification of his arrest, and that safety procedures were followed.
However, the lawsuit contends that Waller was inadequately vetted and allowed to teach in a classroom without windows, creating an environment conducive to abuse. “The school and staff did not monitor or supervise Waller’s interactions with students,” the lawsuit alleges, highlighting a troubling lack of oversight.
As the case unfolds, the emotional and social ramifications for the affected student and the broader community are profound. The lawsuit not only seeks justice for the victim but also raises critical questions about the safety measures in place at educational institutions.
The Fresno Unified School District now faces intense scrutiny as the legal proceedings move forward. With a growing call for accountability, community members are urged to pay close attention to the developments in this urgent and troubling case.
Parents and guardians are advised to engage in conversations with their children regarding safety and reporting suspicious behavior to ensure their well-being at school. The implications of this lawsuit could have lasting effects on student safety policies in the district and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as new information emerges.
