The former head of school at a Massachusetts boarding and day school has been indicted in connection with sexual abuse allegations against a teacher.Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Jeannie Norris, who ran Miss Hall’s School for 16 years, was charged Wednesday with reckless endangerment of a child, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office said in a press release.A grand jury indicted former teacher Matthew Rutledge on rape charges earlier this year after he was accused of targeting two students in the 2000s.“Jeannie Norris was allegedly aware of inappropriate relationships between a teacher, Matthew Rutledge, and students attending the school,” the district attorney’s office added.Joseph C.Merschman, Norris’ lawyer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the indictment.
Nora Adukonis, a lawyer for Rutledge, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Hilary Simon, one of Rutledge’s accusers, told NBC News on Wednesday that Norris had the power to stop Rutledge but “chose to protect him over the children in her care.” Her indictment should serve as a signal to school leaders everywhere that those who enable abuse can be held accountable, Simon added.“For years survivors were dismissed, silenced and even disciplined for telling the truth,” Simon said.“Now our voices are the ones being heard and believed.
No amount of power or influence or money stops accountability.”Fellow accuser Melissa Fares echoed Simon, saying this was a day she never thought would come.“Accountability doesn’t stop with the person who commits abuse.It extends to those who enable it, ignore it or fail to act when children are at risk,” Fares said.
“This is an overdue and necessary step towards a world where protecting kids isn’t just expected but enforced.”Fares said she is grateful that the district attorney’s office pursued charges against Norris.The two wom...