How Asheville Christian Academy’s Staff Allegedly Failed to Protect Students - TribPapers
Crime

How Asheville Christian Academy’s Staff Allegedly Failed to Protect Students

A civil lawsuit has been filed against Asheville Christian Academy, alleging sexual abuse by former teacher Jason Ingle and claiming staff members failed to act on the misconduct, raising serious concerns about student safety and institutional accountability.

Asheville – A civil lawsuit has been filed against Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) following serious allegations of sexual abuse involving a former teacher and a student. The case has drawn attention not only for the disturbing claims but also for the alleged failure of the school’s staff to act on the abuse.

Context of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, initiated by Lanier Law Group, P.A., was filed in Buncombe County Superior Court on January 10, 2025. It accuses former teacher Jason Ingle of engaging in sexual activity with a female student, referred to as “Jane Doe,” while under the supervision of ACA staff. The legal action seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged physical and sexual assaults that reportedly occurred over several months, including during school-organized trips.

The age of consent in North Carolina is 16 years old, meaning that any sexual activity with someone under this age is classified as statutory rape, regardless of consent. In this case, the plaintiff was 18 at the time of the alleged incidents, which complicates the legal landscape surrounding consent and culpability. However, the lawsuit emphasizes that the school’s staff had a duty to protect students and report any misconduct.

Allegations Against School Staff

The lawsuit claims that numerous ACA employees were aware of Ingle’s actions yet failed to intervene or report the abuse. It alleges that staff members actively worked to conceal the misconduct rather than protect Jane Doe. The complaint details how students at ACA openly referred to Ingle as a pedophile, suggesting that the environment allowed for such behavior to persist unchecked.

Ingle was arrested in June 2024 after an investigation by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed allegations of sexual activity with a student. The arrest warrants indicate that Ingle engaged in unlawful sexual acts with Jane Doe, raising questions about the school’s oversight and response to such serious allegations.

William George, former head of school at ACA, released a statement following Ingle’s arrest, asserting that student safety is a top priority for the institution. He expressed sadness over the situation and emphasized that any misconduct contradicts the school’s mission and values. However, critics argue that these statements ring hollow in light of the allegations that staff members failed to act when they had knowledge of the abuse.

The lawsuit names several defendants, including Asheville Christian Academy itself, along with key figures such as William George, Taylor Bell, Wade Tapp, Alexis Zanias, and Jason Ingle. Each is accused of neglecting their responsibilities to protect students from harm.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Lanier Law Group is actively seeking additional witnesses or victims who may have information regarding the alleged abuse or the role of ACA staff in allowing it to continue. This call for testimonies highlights the broader implications of accountability within educational institutions.

The case raises significant questions about how schools handle allegations of abuse and the responsibilities of educators to protect their students. As more details emerge, it remains crucial for stakeholders to engage in open discussions about safeguarding minors in educational settings.

Implications for Future Governance

The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching effects on policies regarding student safety and reporting obligations in schools across North Carolina. If proven true, these allegations may prompt a reevaluation of how educational institutions manage allegations of misconduct and protect their students from potential harm.

Asheville Christian Academy’s handling of this situation will likely be scrutinized closely by parents, educators, and legal experts alike.