Serious allegations in some Rhode Island schools have experts calling for change
"Every school should have a set of policies of what to do and how to handle abuse and neglect."
WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — North Kingstown. West Warwick. Now, East Greenwich — all revealing disturbing allegations of abuse that happened behind closed doors of Rhode Island schools.
On Nov. 4, 2021, the mother of a student at East Greenwich High School filed a complaint against the then-assistant volleyball coach, Donovan Baker. Launching an investigation, a report released Tuesday morning revealed allegations of inappropriate text messages, sending Snapchats, purchasing gifts for, and forcibly kissing several female students ages 14-17.
Baker is accused of telling these students he would “wait for them” to turn 18.
As this report surfaced, a second came from West Warwick Elementary School Maisie Quinn Elementary, where an employee was placed on leave for what was only described as “inappropriate behavior.”
Lisa Conlan-Lewis, executive director of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island, said the answer to protecting children is change.
“When you’re abused as a child, it’s almost like that person of who you are is never the same again,” said Conlan-Lewis. “There can be a lot more work done around training. Not just looking at the behavior in children, but the signs in adults.”
According to the East Greenwich report, one of Baker’s students became so depressed, she was given a nickname by other students for her sad behavior.
“We’re looking for any type of mood disorder,” said Conlan-Lewis, describing a change in behavior as a warning sign of abuse. “Some folks, they’re gonna act out more. Maybe have more promiscuous behavior or violent, even.”
She also cited a change in eating patterns or development of a sudden eating disorder, lack of desire or sudden fear to attend school or be alone with certain people as signs.
Worried about losing playing time, parents and students in the report said they were afraid to speak up.
“That person may have a charismatic personality,” said Conlan-Lewis. “Individuals trust them, they look up to them.”
The report also claims Baker’s supervisor, then-head coach Justin Amaral, was aware of the allegations and “not receptive to complaints.”
Conlan-Lewis said this can not only be a red flag, but is an action allowed to be taken by those in a position of leadership when clear guidelines for reporting such incidents are not in place.
“Every school should have a set of policies of what to do and how to handle abuse and neglect,” explained Conlan-Lewis.
According to the Rhode Island Parent Support Network, there were over 3,500 children who experienced abuse and neglect in 2018.
