JACKSONVILLE — A former student is suing the Duval County School Board for violations of Title IX.
Christina Dyches, a former student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, alleges she was sexually abused and harassed by a teacher, Jeffery Clayton, during her time at the school, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
The plaintiff, now 18 years old, claims that the abuse occurred from 2019 to 2023. She claims she was accepted into the Musical Theatre program and that Clayton, as the vocal director, subjected her to constant humiliation, verbal abuse, and inappropriate remarks throughout various musical performances.
The plaintiff claims Clayton made sexually inappropriate comments and degrading remarks about her appearance and also touched her body inappropriately during school hours.
An investigation into Clayton's behavior was initiated by DCPS in November 2019, revealing past investigations for similar allegations, according to the suit, however, Clayton was allowed to return to school, causing emotional distress to the plaintiff.
Clayton was later arrested on school grounds in March 2023 regarding another female student.
Dyches is seeking damages the court deems proper. She is represented by Chris Moser in St. Augustine.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida case number: 3:23-cv-01342