On Monday, a letter signed by student representatives was delivered to the New Haven Board of Education, calling for immediate accountability and clearer safety protocols following the alleged sexual assault of a Hillhouse High School student by Assistant Principal Daniel Bonet.
Timeline of events cited by students
The students outline a series of dates that they say demonstrate a failure of proper protective measures:
- May 21, 2026 – Jane Doe reports being forcibly kissed by Assistant Principal Bonet in his office.
- May 22, 2026 – Jane Doe alleges she was raped by Bonet. She informs two staff members and a classmate, and the staff report the allegation to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) that afternoon. The Hillhouse principal and New Haven police are also notified.
- May 26, 2026 – After a three‑day holiday weekend, Bonet is allowed back onto the Hillhouse campus and is named the administrator in charge for the day, giving him authority to initiate a school lockdown. Jane Doe, hearing his voice over the loud‑speaker, is forced to leave school early due to distress.
- Later on May 26, 2026 – Bonet is placed on administrative leave and leaves the building.
- September 14, 2026 – Bonet is arrested on two sexual‑assault charges after turning himself in on a police‑issued warrant.
The students argue that the district’s response fell short of mandatory‑reporter obligations and failed to protect a vulnerable student.
Student demands
The letter lists four primary demands:
- Clarify which leadership role is responsible for ensuring an alleged assailant loses building access immediately after a report, and hold that leader accountable.
- Establish a clear action plan for any reported assault, including immediate removal of staff with a record of inappropriate sexual conduct from student areas.
- Implement recurring consent education in health classes and require Title IX, mandated‑reporter, and sexual‑assault‑trauma training for all board members, the superintendent, and senior administrators.
- Form a student‑led task force to develop and implement consent, sexual‑assault, and trauma‑education initiatives for the 2027‑2028 school year.
Students emphasize that safety and the right to be heard are essential for a healthy learning environment, aligning with the community’s commitment to strong families and moral responsibility.
Board response and next steps
The Board of Education has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the specific concerns raised. However, the district’s spokesperson noted that an internal review is underway and that the Board intends to work with DCF, law‑enforcement partners, and community stakeholders to ensure policies reflect best practices for student safety.
Local parents and advocacy groups have expressed support for the students’ call for transparency and stronger protective measures. They urge the Board to act swiftly, citing the district’s duty to safeguard all students and uphold the trust placed in educators.
As the investigation proceeds, the community will be watching for concrete actions from the Board, including any revisions to existing protocols, training schedules, and the establishment of the proposed student task force.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
