Woke NYC Private School Claims Complaints About Abusive Teacher Were ‘Racist’ — Victims Fight Back
Introduction
In a shocking revelation that has rocked the affluent Brooklyn Heights community, a prestigious private school has been accused of dismissing serious allegations of predatory behavior by a convicted teacher as “racist,” sparking outrage among victims, parents, and advocates alike. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Brooklyn federal court, alleges that Saint Ann’s School, one of New York City’s most elite and expensive private institutions, failed to act appropriately in the face of warnings about Winston Nguyen—a teacher now convicted of heinous crimes including revenge porn, child exploitation, and catfishing schemes targeting students.
This case exposes a disturbing pattern of negligence, retaliation, and a troubling use of social justice rhetoric to shield an abuser, raising questions about accountability, systemic racism, and the responsibilities of schools in protecting vulnerable students.
Background: The Rise and Fall of Winston Nguyen
Winston Nguyen, a former “Jeopardy!” champion, built a reputation as a sharp mind and a charismatic educator. However, beneath this façade lurked a predatory predator. Nguyen had a long history of criminal activity prior to his employment at Saint Ann’s School—having previously served time for stealing $300,000 from a blind 96-year-old, a fact that should have raised alarms during his hiring process.
Despite this background, Nguyen was hired as a math teacher in 2020, a position that placed him in direct contact with impressionable students. Little did the school know that Nguyen was plotting a disturbing campaign of manipulation, exploitation, and revenge.
By 2024, Nguyen’s criminal activities escalated into heinous acts of child exploitation, including tricking students into sending explicit images, sharing revenge porn, and engaging in catfishing schemes. He was arrested that year while still employed by Saint Ann’s and sentenced last March to seven years in prison after admitting to multiple charges involving the exploitation of minors.
The Allegations: Victims Speak Out
The lawsuit was filed by the parents of two girls, then 13 years old, who attended another Brooklyn private school at the time. Their attorneys allege that Nguyen used stolen resources at Saint Ann’s to obtain nude photographs of their daughters and shared them online as acts of revenge porn. The girls’ parents accuse Saint Ann’s of turning a blind eye to warnings about Nguyen’s predatory tendencies, failing to investigate prior to hiring him, and retaliating against those who attempted to raise alarm.
According to the lawsuit, despite multiple warnings from parents, faculty, and students, the school dismissed concerns as “racist,” “anti-progressive,” and accusations rooted in “restorative justice,” a social justice framework that emphasizes healing and inclusiveness but, critics argue, can be weaponized to protect wrongdoers.
The suit states:
“When parents, faculty, and students warned about Nguyen’s predatory behavior, Saint Ann’s retaliated against the whistleblowers, ostracizing them as ‘racist,’ ‘anti-progressive,’ and insufficiently committed to ‘restorative justice.’”
The School’s Defense and the Alleged Cover-Up
Saint Ann’s School, renowned for its progressive ethos and steep tuition fees—about $63,000 annually—has long prided itself on fostering a socially conscious environment. Yet, critics, including the lawsuit’s attorneys, allege that the school used its social justice language as a shield to conceal its negligence and protect Nguyen.
The lawsuit claims that school leaders prioritized “diversity and social justice” over the safety of students, dismissing concerns as “racist” or “anti-progressive” when staff and parents voiced alarm. This alleged cover-up allowed Nguyen to continue teaching for years despite a criminal record and mounting evidence of misconduct.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is Nguyen’s continued employment despite his criminal background and the mounting evidence against him. He was hired as a math teacher in 2020, just two years after serving prison time, raising serious questions about the school’s hiring policies and background checks.
The Crime and Conviction
Nguyen’s criminal activities came to light in 2024 when he was arrested during an investigation into his online activities. Authorities uncovered that Nguyen had tricked students into sharing explicit images, which he then shared online as revenge porn. He also engaged in a catfishing scheme, deceiving students and others into sending him child pornography.
He admitted to the crimes and was sentenced last March to seven years in prison. His conviction not only marked the end of his teaching career but exposed the systemic failures of Saint Ann’s School and its leadership.
The Victims’ Trauma
The two girls involved in the lawsuit, along with numerous other students, are now left grappling with emotional trauma, shame, and betrayal. Their parents have expressed outrage at the school’s handling of the situation, accusing Saint Ann’s of “prioritizing reputation over student safety.”
Their attorney, Joshua Perry, stated:
“Saint Ann’s leaders used a caricature of social justice language to rationalize protecting an abuser — not the thirteen-year-olds who needed them most.”
The lawsuit alleges that Nguyen’s actions, facilitated by the school’s negligence, inflicted deep psychological scars and left students vulnerable to ongoing exploitation.
Systemic Failures and Broader Concerns
This case raises critical questions about the responsibilities of private schools, especially those with privileged access and significant influence. Critics argue that Saint Ann’s and similar institutions often prioritize reputation management and social justice branding over rigorous vetting and safeguarding policies.
Background Checks and Hiring Policies:
Despite Nguyen’s criminal record and prior prison time, he was hired without proper scrutiny. Experts warn that schools must implement comprehensive background checks, especially when hiring individuals with criminal histories, to prevent predators from slipping through the cracks.
Handling Complaints and Whistleblower Protections:
The lawsuit alleges that when concerns were raised by staff and parents, the school retaliated against whistleblowers by branding them as “racist” or “anti-progressive.” This tactic, critics say, discourages open dialogue and perpetuates a culture of silence around abuse.
Use of Social Justice Rhetoric:
While social justice language can promote inclusivity, critics argue it can also be weaponized to shield wrongdoers and dismiss legitimate concerns. In this case, it appears to have been used to justify inaction and ostracize victims and whistleblowers.
The Broader Impact and Future Implications
This scandal has sent shockwaves through the New York City private school community, prompting calls for reform in hiring practices, transparency, and safeguarding policies. Parents are demanding more accountability, and advocacy groups are urging schools to prioritize student safety over reputation.
Legal and Policy Reforms:
Legal experts advocate for stricter regulations governing background checks for private school teachers, especially those with criminal records. They also emphasize the importance of establishing clear reporting mechanisms and protections for whistleblowers.
Community Response:
Parents and students are rallying for greater oversight and accountability. Some are calling for independent investigations into Saint Ann’s policies and leadership decisions. Others are pushing for mandatory training on digital safety, trauma response, and recognizing grooming behaviors.
Conclusion
The case of Winston Nguyen and Saint Ann’s School underscores a troubling truth: even the most prestigious educational institutions are not immune to negligence, misconduct, and systemic flaws. While the school’s leadership claims to uphold social justice ideals, critics argue that their actions—or lack thereof—have betrayed the very students they vowed to protect.
As Nguyen begins serving his prison sentence, the broader conversation about safeguarding students, accountability, and the misuse of social justice language in schools is only just beginning. It remains to be seen whether this scandal will prompt lasting reforms or serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in education.
