Sequoia district sued after volleyball coach allegedly had sexual relationship with student

"During his time as a coach at Woodside High, he allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student that started when she was 15 years old. Feng allegedly used his position of authority to groom the student and sexually assault her on school grounds and at school events, according to the suit."

"In one instance, the lawsuit claims an anonymous complaint was made to Woodside High administration regarding Feng and Doe's inappropriate relationship. The vice principals, school nurse, and athletic director called Doe into a meeting wherein they dismissed the complaint as a rumor. No further actions were taken to protect Doe or to increase supervision or terminate Feng even though a second anonymous complaint was made and also dismissed."

"Feng's behaviors were also of concern to the Academy of Volleyball, a club that provides training and help getting into college. In one instance, the director and other Academy employees members spoke to Feng about respecting coach-player boundaries but failed to repudiate Feng's predatory behavior and failed to report inappropriate behaviors to the authorities for proper investigation."

Thomas Feng, a 26-year-old volleyball coach employed by Sequoia Union High School District, allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student beginning when she was 15 years old. He used his authority position to groom and sexually assault her at school locations and events. The lawsuit claims both the school district and Academy of Volleyball knew of his misconduct but failed to notify law enforcement. When anonymous complaints reached Woodside High administration, school officials dismissed them as rumors without taking protective action or increasing supervision. Academy of Volleyball employees addressed boundary concerns with Feng but did not report his behavior to authorities. Only after the student filed a police report with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office did an investigation begin, leading to Feng's arrest on February 26.

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