Oklahoma Students Are Being Abused by the Adults Meant to Protect Them – Families Urged to Speak Up Before Summer Break

TULSA, OK — As April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a growing number of families in Oklahoma are coming forward with disturbing stories: children being groomed and abused by the very teachers and coaches trusted to protect them. Civil rights attorney Donald Smolen II has represented dozens of students in abuse cases statewide—and says what’s happening in our schools is nothing short of a crisis.

“I’ve handled case after case. Elementary students. Middle schoolers. Teen girls blamed for what they wore,” said Smolen. “It’s happening over and over, and too often, schools look the other way.”

Many of the cases involve coaches, teachers, or school employees texting students privately, isolating them from peers, or using their authority to create inappropriate relationships. In multiple instances, complaints were made—and ignored—until the abuse escalated.

“This doesn’t just happen in high school. It happens in elementary schools too. These are kids,” said Smolen. “And under no circumstance should an adult in a position of power be privately messaging a student.”

The Red Flags to Watch For

As the school year comes to a close, Smolen is urging parents to sit down with their children and have real conversations about boundaries, trust, and safety.

Common red flags include:

• Private texts or DMs from teachers or coaches

• Being asked to keep secrets from parents

• Receiving gifts or special treatment

• Comments about appearance or clothing

• Following students on social media

• One-on-one meetings off campus or in private

• Being made to feel responsible for the adult’s emotions or actions

“These behaviors are grooming. They are not harmless, and they are not okay,” said Smolen. “It’s not just one bad teacher or coach—it’s a pattern we’re seeing all over the state.”

What Students and Families Should Do

If you or your child has seen or experienced inappropriate behavior, Smolen says “it’s critical to speak up and act.”

Here’s what to do:

• Call law enforcement and file a police report

• Report to the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-522-3511

• Tell a trusted adult (parent, school nurse, resource officer, etc.)

• Notify school administration in writing and keep a record

• Reach out to advocacy groups for counseling and crisis support

• Talk to a civil rights attorney to understand your legal options

“Even if you’re not sure, report it,” Smolen said. “The earlier you act, the more you can prevent someone else from being hurt.”

Civil Action Creates Change

Through civil lawsuits, Smolen Law has helped families uncover what schools tried to hide—missed warning signs, ignored reports, and adults allowed to stay in classrooms despite complaints.

“These aren’t just legal cases. They’re stories of kids who were failed by the people around them,” said Smolen. “If schools won’t fix this on their own, we’ll keep shining a light until they do.”

If your child has experienced abuse or inappropriate behavior by a teacher, coach, or school employee, Smolen Law offers confidential consultations. Speak up. Take action. Protect your child and others.

Visit www.smolen.law or call (918) 777-4529