Student Files Lawsuit Claiming DC Teacher Got Her Pregnant

WASHINGTON - A lawsuit by a special education student at the Transition Academy at Shadd says a D.C. school teacher got her pregnant and even had sex in a classroom, his car and at her home. Paternity tests show the teacher, Robert Weismiller, is the father of the child.

Attorneys for the girl say the school’s own investigation determined no misconduct.

’It's a horrible story. It’s almost the first day of class and your teacher, who you’re supposed to be putting your trust in, comes up to you and tells you how beautiful you are and how he would marry you if he wasn't married and he drives you home in a short time of that and he has sex with you in the back of his car,’ said Scott Gilbert, the student’s attorney.

The suit filed Monday alleges the sexual relationship lasted five months starting in 2008. The girl became pregnant and now had a baby. The suit alleges staff knew about the ongoing sexual relationship.

’The school could have done something constructive once it felt it had to launch its own investigation and yet throughout all of this, people sat on their hands and basically watched this happen and did absolutely nothing,’ said Gilbert.

The lawsuit is not just against the 53-year-old teacher, but attorneys say the schools system was also negligent. Specifically, it names Chanchellor Michelle Rhee and offers stinging criticism.

’This man was basically given free reign, like setting a lion loose in the forest. Part of our problem with D.C. is they didn't intercede and they still haven’t done a thing,’ Gilbert said.

Attorneys hope the lawsuit protects this student and others who are preyed upon by teachers.

’It's hard enough for students to come forward in these situations, but when you come forward and are consistently rebuffed and no one will help you, it’s unimaginable. It’s the worst nightmare,’ said Gilbert.

Weismiller was eventually let go from the school, but not for his alleged relationship with the student. Attorneys say he one of the 266 teachers let go last October during budget cuts.

You may remember back then, Rhee said one of those teachers she let go had sex with a student. D.C. Public Schools is not commenting.

D.C.’s Attorney General Peter Nickles says the woman was 18 years old at the time. However, based on her association with the school at the time of this incident, the city will review the case.