Community pushes for reform after Tuba City Boarding School caught masturbating in front of students

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – In the aftermath of a disturbing sexual misconduct incident at Tuba City Boarding School, community members, parents, and Navajo Nation leaders are turning their focus toward systemic reforms to better protect students.
On Sept. 24, a sixth-grade teacher was apprehended by police for public sexual indecency after allegedly being caught masturbating in front of students. The arrest has sparked outrage, not just for the incident itself but for what parents say is a history of ignored warnings and a lack of communication from the school administration and the Bureau of Indian Education.

One parent, KL Chino, shared the frustration of many in the community. “Our kids came forward, terrified – and instead of being believed, they were dismissed. They had to do the unthinkable, put themselves in danger, and gather proof themselves to be taken seriously,” Chino said.

Another parent, Starlena Nez, described the deep sense of betrayal felt by families. “These kids were scared, traumatized, and abandoned by the adults who were supposed to protect them. This teacher committed a crime, and the school’s inaction is unforgivable,” she said.

A call for leadership, accountability

The Navajo Nation Council has taken a leading role in responding to the community’s concerns. Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, known for her advocacy against sexual assault and abusive crime, has emphasized the need for enhanced coordination, transparency, and victim support.

“We were there at the rally to support the community,” Crotty said, referencing the Sept. 30 gathering at the Tuba City Police Department. “As delegates, the parents reached out to us directly for help. We’re working to ensure families are supported while addressing systemic gaps that have allowed incidents like this to occur.”

Crotty highlighted the steps the Council can take to address the crisis:

Coordination with law enforcement and prosecutors: “We need to examine why the teacher was released after their arrest and whether laws need to be strengthened to protect children in these cases,” Crotty said.

BIE communication: Crotty emphasized the importance of the BIE providing timely information to parents and coordinating with the community.

Victim advocacy: Crotty noted that affected students need to have adequate opportunities to report their experiences or access victim support services. “We want to ensure students and their parents know their rights under the Navajo Nation Victim Rights Act and have the resources to disclose incidents safely,” she said.

Closing systemic gaps

A joint session of the Law and Order Committee and the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee was called to review the school’s handling of this and other incidents. The committees plan to investigate suspected child abuse and neglect reports and propose measures to close gaps in student safety.

Crotty also suggested developing better public accountability measures. Similar to those seen in other counties. Such as systems for when someone is arrested, their mug shot, charges, and name are published, something that Tuba City Police don’t offer at this time.

Community members have rallied around the principles of the Every Child Matters movement, which advocates for systemic reforms to protect children. Parents are calling for the BIE to investigate the school thoroughly, ensure accountability for school officials who ignored past warnings, and provide mental health resources for students and families affected by the trauma.

The BIE released a statement underscoring its commitment to student safety:

“The well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment at BIE schools. Any allegation of inappropriate behavior will be thoroughly investigated to ensure that our community can have complete confidence in the professionals we entrust with student care. The BIE, Tuba City Boarding School, and appropriate law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to take all necessary actions to protect and support students.”

Building a safer future

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, leaders like Crotty are advocating for education to help students understand healthy boundaries and reporting processes. “We need to provide ways for students to disclose incidents when they occur and ensure schools respond appropriately,” Crotty said.
For families in Tuba City, the fight for justice is just beginning, but the focus on lasting change offers hope that future generations will be better protected.

---