Massachusetts Bill Seeks to Protect Students from Authority Figure Abuse
Pittsfield, MA — Hilary Simon and Melissa Fares, two former students from Miss Hall’s School, recently testified at a Joint Committee on the Judiciary hearing, calling attention to the longstanding sexual abuse they endured at the hands of a respected teacher. Simon stated that she was groomed and abused by history teacher Matthew Rutledge since the age of 15, using his authority to isolate her from friends and family.
Their testimonies come in light of House Bill 1634, proposed by State Representative Leigh Davis, designed to close legal loopholes that allow adults in positions of authority—like educators and coaches—to engage in sexual relationships with 16- and 17-year-old students and claim it was consensual. Davis emphasized that the bill aims to address the power imbalance inherent in these situations.
Despite the shocking allegations against Rutledge, who resigned after claims became public in 2024, investigations led by Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue have found they could not pursue criminal charges due to existing Massachusetts law. Shugrue voiced support for the proposed legislation, stating that it would better protect children.
Fares shared her disappointment upon learning about the DA’s inability to act, describing her ongoing struggles with mental health issues as a direct consequence of her abuse. "Rape doesn’t always look like a violent attack; it can also be coercion by a trusted authority figure,” she lamented.
The push for House Bill 1634 reflects a growing urgency for legislative reform in Massachusetts, as past efforts to enact similar protections have failed. As survivors like Simon and Fares continue to seek justice, advocates urge the legislature to take decisive action in safeguarding vulnerable students.
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