Mary Alexander & Associates Files Lawsuit Against Castilleja School for Failing to Protect Students from Sexual Abuse
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2025– Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C., along with Cerri, Boskovich & Allard LLP, has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on behalf of three survivors of childhood sexual abuse. According to the complaint, Castilleja School, a prestigious and private all-girls institution in Palo Alto, failed to protect its students while Mark Hodes, a tutor, groomed and sexually abused minor students for several years.
Three anonymous plaintiffs—Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3—filed the lawsuit, detailing how Castilleja School failed to supervise Hodes despite complaints and warning signs dating back to the 1990s. The school allegedly allowed Hodes continued, unsupervised access to its students, even after he was removed from another high school campus for similar misconduct.
“This case is about holding institutions accountable when they choose to ignore red flags and allow harm to come to children under their care,” said Mary Alexander, lead attorney for the plaintiffs and founder of Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. “The survivors, in this case, have bravely come forward to seek justice and to prevent future students from enduring the same trauma.”
The plaintiffs seek damages for the lasting emotional, physical and psychological harm they endured, citing claims of sexual abuse of a minor, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. It also highlights the school’s failure to act despite students repeatedly raising concerns about Hodes’ inappropriate behavior, including school officials receiving direct complaints yet choosing not to report or properly investigate them.
“This lawsuit is about more than just accountability for the past—it is about ensuring schools implement real protections for students,” Alexander added. “Survivors deserve justice, and institutions that turn a blind eye to abuse must be held responsible.”
The case is Jane Doe 1 v. Castilleja School Foundation, Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Media Contact:
Joe Marchelewski, AIJ Communications, jmarchelewski@gmail.com
About Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C.
At the law firm of Mary Alexander & Associates, we are proud of our record and tradition of excellence. Preparing thoroughly for trial is the trademark of our firm, and we build innovative courtroom exhibits and technology to help juries understand even the most complex legal matters. Our innovations, creativity and preparation have allowed us to achieve an outstanding record of success. We are justifiably proud of the verdicts and settlements we have obtained for our deserving clients.
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