September 26, 2016

Dear Members of the Pomfret School Community:

In February, we wrote to you about a process we were undertaking at Pomfret that included an
investigation into our past with respect to incidents of sexual misconduct, and a rigorous examination
and strengthening of our policies, protocols, and cultural norms around student safety and well-being.
For the purpose of the investigation, we use the term sexual misconduct to include conduct that
would commonly be understood to be sexual, including inappropriate touching, sexual assault, and a
variety of other forms of misconduct such as voyeurism, emails, or other correspondence that are
sexual in nature. We use the term personal misconduct to include boundary violations that are not
sexual.
We explained that our outside counsel at McLane Middleton would be working directly with the
School on the policy review and that they had engaged attorney James Sconzo of the law firm
Carlton Fields to undertake an independent investigation into matters of sexual misconduct. Our
goals were clear: to understand our past, support individuals who were impacted by incidents of
sexual misconduct while they were students at Pomfret, and ensure that we are doing everything
possible to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for all current and future members of
the Pomfret School community.
Our Process
We are writing today to share what we have learned from Mr. Sconzos investigation as well as a
review of our own files. We also wish to explain the work we have done to enhance our policies and
practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the Pomfret School community. We
cannot thank enough those people who courageously came forward to share their experiences with
us; we recognize and appreciate how difficult it was to do this. We stand ready to support members of
our alumni community who were victims of sexual misconduct and abuse by faculty members. This
support includes counseling services as requested.
During the course of the investigation, we encouraged any and all individuals with information about
past incidents or allegations of sexual misconduct by faculty, staff, or students to come forward and
share that information with Mr. Sconzo or the Head of School. The School also reviewed its own
personnel files and provided Mr. Sconzo with all relevant files and/or materials he and his team
requested to aid him in the investigation. The School imposed no restrictions or limitations on any
information requested by Mr. Sconzo or his team. The Carlton Fields team conducted interviews with
dozens of people and examined the Schools files in response to any and all concerns that were
brought forward. Mr. Sconzo and his team evaluated all information and independently made
determinations regarding what merited investigation.
At the outset of the investigation, the Carlton Fields team decided not to contact victims who were
identified by others but who did not come forward. Their decision was based on concerns for the
privacy of those individuals. We understand this decision and fully appreciate those individuals right
to privacy. We respect how difficult it can be for victims to have these matters raised long after they
have occurred, and for some, long after they have found peace. In most matters investigated by Mr.
Sconzo, no victims came forward, and thus the investigators did not have the benefit of hearing
directly from them. For those instances in which alumni had previously come forward, where multiple
alleged victims were identified, or where the persons identity had become known to the media, efforts
were made to contact the individuals.
After a thorough seven-month process, Mr. Sconzo and his Carlton Fields team concluded that over

the span of approximately forty years, dating back to the early 1970s, there were instances of sexual
and personal misconduct by members of the faculty at Pomfret School. This misconduct ranged from
boundary violations to sexual misconduct, all of which constituted unhealthy and inappropriate
behavior toward students. In four instances, the investigators concluded, based on a preponderance
of the evidence standard (more likely than not), sexual misconduct by faculty had occurred. In other
instances, there was either insufficient information to complete the investigation or to make a finding
of sexual misconduct based on a preponderance of the evidence standard.
We have made the decision not to disclose the names of the faculty members whose conduct was
examined during the course of this investigation, even where a finding was made that sexual
misconduct had occurred. Our decision not to do so was not made lightly, nor without lengthy debate
about the merits of disclosing the names. Ultimately, our decision was based on our conclusion that
this disclosure would likely result in identification of the victims or speculation about their identities.
The investigator repeatedly heard from victims who said they did not want their identities to be
revealed. In the end, we concluded that the continued privacy of the victims was our highest priority.
Key Findings
From a review of our files and from the investigation, we have learned that in several circumstances
Pomfret School fell short of meeting its basic responsibility to protect student safety and well-being.
The investigation found, based on a preponderance of evidence, the following:
In the early 1970s, a faculty member engaged in sexual misconduct with a student.
In the 1980s (in one case spanning into the early 1990s), two faculty members engaged in
sexual misconduct with students.
After 2000, a faculty member engaged in sexual misconduct with a student.
The Carlton Fields team, led by Mr. Sconzo, also evaluated nine other matters that involved
allegations ranging from boundary violations to sexual misconduct. In most of these instances, the
investigators found the reports credible, but found that there was insufficient information to complete
the investigation or were unable to make a finding by a preponderance of the evidence or concluded
that the allegation was unsubstantiated.
We are also aware that some of the above-referenced former faculty members were given letters of
recommendation when they left the School. The School regrets that these letters of support were
written for adults who had clearly violated core community standards of behavior.
Actions Taken
While making reports to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families has been our practice
for many years, the investigation revealed that in several instances where sexual or personal
misconduct was known to the School, no report was made to the authorities. Over the course of this
past year, when we learned of cases that should have been reported, we fulfilled our obligation to do
so.
We are aware that Connecticut Department of Children and Families contacted the Connecticut State
Police with respect to these matters. The School met with the state police on multiple occasions, and
we were advised by the state police that they would follow up with victims. In cases where we knew
that the perpetrator was still working with students, we informed the state police of that as well.
Student Safety and Policies
The culture and climate at Pomfret has changed over time for the better, and our emphasis on
student health, safety, and well-being has never been greater. Our standards of behavior are

abundantly clear, and the resources and training that we require of both students and adults in our
community are thorough and up to date. Attorney David Wolowitz and others from McLane Middleton
did a comprehensive review of all of our practices and policies, and we are confident that our current
policies represent the highest standard of care.
Of particular note was the creation of our Conduct and Compliance Team (CCT). The CCTs job is to
evaluate any allegation of abuse, neglect, harassment, hazing, bullying, or discrimination. Comprised
of faculty, administrators, and staff, the CCTs core purpose is to ensure the safety of all members of
the community, including students and employees. Team members are trained in investigative
techniques and use a comprehensive system of recordkeeping to ensure that all matters are
responded to consistently and fairly. The team makes recommendations for action to the Head of
School based on its findings. This may involve discipline or remediation. The CCT is also responsible
for making reports to state authorities when appropriate.
We also require all adults and students each year to undergo training with experts in this field. The
School has conducted two training sessions for all employees in the past six months, regarding
establishing appropriate boundaries with students and understanding their professional obligations as
mandated reporters. We held a student meeting during orientation, led by school administrators and
members of our health team, to explain to all students our policies and procedures. On September
29, we will welcome Jen Fournier, a well-known expert in this area, to speak with our students about
sexual misconduct, reporting obligations, harassment, and social media use. A newly revised
Employee Handbook and an updated Griffin Guide (the student handbook) lay out our policies with
respect to hazing, harassment, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation. We are explicit about what
constitutes inappropriate relationships and we describe the actions, including reporting obligations,
that must be taken when inappropriate conduct occurs.
If a matter arises from our student body today or in the future, we are in a much better position to
respond. Similarly, if anyone comes forward with matters from our past, whether it is information
about a new case or new information about a situation of which we are already aware, we will
investigate each matter fully, and respond with both empathy and transparency. We will maintain
records for all of the concerns that have come to our attention or the attention of the investigators.
The opening words of the Pomfret School mission calls on us to cultivate a healthy interdependence
of mind, body, and spirit in its students. We take this charge seriously, and this mandate requires us
to be unflinching in our efforts to set the highest standard possible for the culture of the School and
the safety and well-being of our students. Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated, and if and when
it occurs, we will respond with support and care for the victim, and with resolve in pursuing fully a just
outcome. As we move forward with fulfilling our mission, we will continue to evaluate and refine our
practices as appropriate and necessary.
We wish to thank all members of the Pomfret community for your support, patience, and
understanding as we have undertaken this difficult examination of our past. While Carlton Fields
evaluated all matters brought to its and our attention, and while the School reviewed its own files, we
understand that our work may not be complete. There are likely other incidents about which we are
not aware. As we have said, it is clear that at times the School failed to protect the safety and wellbeing of its students. We recognize that the pain and trauma that victims experienced was real and
lasting. We also recognize that these emotions were felt by friends and family members of victims as
well. We hope that those in our community who suffered harm will accept our profound and heartfelt
apology on behalf of the School.
We are grateful to those who have shared their stories and concerns with us. We have learned a
great deal more about our history over the past several months, much of it painful. We are committed

to being an institution guided by moral courage and the highest ethical standards. We will always
strive to do what is best for our students and we will use what we have learned to forge a brighter
future for the Pomfret School community.
Sincerely,

J. Timothy Richards
Head of School

Justin P. Klein
Chair, Board of Trustees