Former Dalton Headmaster Accused Of Sex Abuse: Lawsuit

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A former student of a prestigious Upper East Side private school accused its former headmaster of sexual abuse in a lawsuit filed Thursday in New Jersey federal court.

A former Dalton School student — identified as J.S. — says she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by former headmaster Gardner P. Dunnan in his Upper East Side and New Jersey homes in 1986 and 1987, according to the lawsuit.

During the multiple assaults, J.S. alleges, Dunnan would touch her without consent, fondle her breasts, stick his tongue down her mouth, disrobe her, grope her and thrust his genitals against her.

"Dunnan used and applied the tremendous power, resources, and discretion that Dalton granted him as its long-time head of school, preying upon the 14-year-old given over to Defendants’ care," the lawsuit reads.

J.S. was 14 years old when she was offered the opportunity to study at Dalton tuition-free while living at Dunnan's home and serving as a family helper, the suit says.

The family "jumped" at the opportunity to send J.S. to the school, believing it would present her with great opportunities, according to the lawsuit. The girl's childhood was described in the lawsuit as "difficult" — she grew up with divorced parents and her mother's new husband was physically abusive.

The lawsuit claims that Dalton "turned a blind eye" to Dunnan's abusive behavior. The school, where Dunnan served as headmaster between 1975 and 1997, was named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Dunnan was forced to resign from the school in 1997 after it was discovered he carried out a sexual relationship with a married female teacher.

"Rather than open J.S.’s world and expand her opportunities – or, more basically, keep her safe and secure as a child in their care – Defendants subjected J.S. to a devastating, life-diminishing experience," the lawsuit reads. "The sexual abuse and broken trust she experienced as a child have permanently scarred J.S."

J.S. left Dunnan's home on a night she was assaulted by the headmaster, according to the lawsuit. During the assault, Dunnan left the girl's bedroom after hearing his wife walking in the hallway outside. J.S. describes hearing the two argue and was told later that night by Dunnan's wife: "I’m sorry, but you have to leave."

The girl attempted to continue studies at Dalton but found that walking the school's halls made her feel disgusted and like she had "no value," according to the lawsuit. She also feared running into Dunnan and being assaulted again. She later transferred to a different high school.

School officials sent parents an email Thursday addressing "news reports today about allegations involving a former Dalton Headmaster."

"We take this matter very seriously. We care deeply about the well-being of our students, faculty & staff, parents, alumni, and families," the letter reads.

The letter to parents did not include details about the allegations or the identity of the former headmaster. It did ask parents to direct reporters' inquiries to a school spokesman.

A Dalton spokesman did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

Photo courtesy court filings