Former students abused by George Harris Jr. between 1980-present may be eligible for significant compensation.
The Carlson Law Firm’s Los Angeles office is investigating sexual assault and abuse claims against George Harris Jr., a former water polo coach, and several schools he worked for. If you were on the water polo, swim, or other aquatic sports teams at any of the following schools between 1980-2009, or were otherwise abused by staff at these schools, call us for a free and confidential consultation:
- El Segundo High School
- Arena Continuation High School
- Chaffey High School
- University of Southern California (USC)
The Abuse
Several students, who were underage at the time, have come forward with information about alleged sexual abuse ranging from grooming, showing students porn, inappropriate discussions of sex, sexual advances, touching, and other abuses.
Access to High School Students
Harris had access to high school students since at least 1974, when he was hired to coach at Chaffey High School in Ontario, California. In 1978, he was named Chaffey coach of the year. In 1981, Harris began teaching social studies at El Segundo High School and, in 1984, began coaching water polo for the school.
The currently reported dates of Harris’s misconduct range from his early years with the El Segundo Unified School District in the mid-1980s to as recently as the late 2000s. The full scope of his activity is currently under investigation.
The USC Connection
Harris began coaching water polo at USC in 1979 until at least 1990. In 2007, he was the press box announcer at USC.
It does not matter if you were underage or a young adult when you experienced sexual harassment or abuse; you may have a claim. Coaches, teachers, professors, or other school staff should never pursue sexual relationships with students. If you were on the water polo team at USC during Harris’s tenure and fell prey to his advances, we may be able to assist.
Get Help • Free Case Review
Were you abused by George Harris, Jr.? Find out if you’re eligible for compensation by filling out the form below.
What does the Newly Filed George Harris Jr. Lawsuit Allege?
The Carlson Law Firm filed the Harris Lawsuit in the Superior Court in Los Angeles on August 23, 2023. In the suit, three male students allege they were sexually abused, harassed, and molested by George Harris Jr., who coached aquatic sports and taught regular high school curriculum at El Segundo Unified School District from approximately 1980 through 2009.
The lawsuit says that Harris used his position of trust and authority to repeatedly sexually harass and abuse his students, including the three plaintiffs, for nearly 30 years.
In addition, the lawsuit further alleges that El Segundo Unified School District deliberately conceal Harris’ sexual abuse of students for decades. It goes on that the school district allowed virtually unlimited access to young vulnerable students in an effort to protect its reputation and reduce liability. In other words, the district protected itself at the expense of minor children who were repeatedly victimized by Harris.
As noted above, El Segundo had a duty to report its knowledge of the abuse to the following:
- Law enforcement
- Parents
- Guardians
- Students
- District Supervisors
Any failure to do so was a breach of this duty.
Can I Join this Lawsuit?
If you were a student at any of the schools listed above and answered yes to any of the following, contact The Carlson Law Firm to discuss your legal rights:
- Did George Harris Jr. ask about your teenage romances?
- Did Harris ask if you were a virgin?
- Were you asked about your sexual activities?
- Did Harris suggest sexual games or activities for you try with a girlfriend?
- Did Harris have lengthy phone conversations with you that grew increasingly sexual?
- Were you given alcohol or marijuana by Harris in his home?
- Did Harris engage in sex acts with you (not limited to manual stimulation of genitalia to orgasm)?
Under no circumstances is the above behavior appropriate by someone in a position of authority over young high school or college students. We can help you get the justice you deserve.
Our Attorneys are Standing By
As seen in Los Angeles news, Ruth Rizkalla and her team of California lawyers are helping those whom Harris victimized. Rizkalla has a long career of holding negligent corporations and people accountable when they’ve wronged others.
Consultations with The Carlson Law Firm are free and confidential. Victims deserve compensation for the years of pain and suffering they have endured at the hands of George Harris Jr. and the schools that allowed him free reign and access to vulnerable minors.
Call us today at 800-359-5690 to get the help you deserve.
You Deserve Accountability
Title IX protects students from sexual predators on high school and college campuses. As such, schools must protect students from predators. Students say that Harris’s perversion was well-known among students and staff. This potentially implicates El Segundo High School, USC, Arena Continuation, and Chaffey High School for failing to protect students by reporting Harris’s behavior and removing him from his position.
Additionally, California recognizes that schools hold a special relationship with students that requires them to protect against sexual abuse. This duty to protect may allow former students to recover damages from the above schools for their failure to adequately supervise Harris.
It’s not too late to pursue a claim against Harris and the institutions that allowed him access to his victims. No matter how long ago you were a student under Harris, we want to talk to you.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation by calling us at 800-359-5690 or filling out a form.
We Can Help
Sexual assault and abuse can take a toll on victims. The abuse can lead to ongoing mental health trauma that can sometimes lead to physical expressions such as addiction or self-harm. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Our firm’s Los Angeles office is in Manhattan Beach and has been involved in previous sexual assault cases, including those brought against the Boy Scouts of America. Our Southern California native attorneys lead a compassionate legal team that will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. We can help you identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for the harm you suffered. Our hard-hitting attorneys are the legal advocates you need.
We care. We can help.