If you were abused by a teacher, coach, staff member, or trusted adult at Colton High School or any other California school, we want to help you
If you were abused by a teacher, coach, staff member, or trusted adult at Colton High School or any other California school, we want to help you
Colton High School is a public high school located in Colton, California. The school opened in 1895 as the first High School in the Colton Joint Unified School District. Colton High School is now one of five high schools in the Colton Joint Unified School District. The school is recognized as an “NFL Pipeline,” with many former student-athletes having played professionally in the NFL.
In September 2022, a San Bernardino Sun article broke news of multiple allegations of abuse. At least 6 former football players who attended Colton High School, allege that Tiffany Gordon, the school’s Athletic Trainer at the time, repeatedly abused them. This abuse occurred over a six-year period between 2001 and 2007. Gordon began working at Colton High School in approximately 2001. Gordon is the daughter of the school’s former legendary Head Football Coach, Harold Strauss. Strauss served as Head Coach and Athletic Director from approximately 2000 – 2012. Not only did Gordon have daily contact with many of the athletes, she also had access to personal contact information and physical access to the locker and training rooms. This access provided her with opportunities to take advantage of minor athletes. Gordon often abused the victims under the guise of “medical treatment” or “physical therapy”.
Multiple coaches at Colton High School were allegedly aware Gordon was sexually abusing students. Instead of reporting the abuse, these coaches took no action, other than making comments and jokes, and talking about athletes receiving “Tiffany’s special treatment”.
Despite multiple, credible allegations of abuse, Gordon is still currently employed by the Colton Joint Unified School District. She now serves as an Athletic Director at Grand Terrace High School, but is allegedly on a leave of absence.
If you were abused by Tiffany Gordon, or any other employee or volunteer at Colton High School, but are scared to come forward, we understand. It’s important to note that any conversations you have with our firm will be confidential and compassionate. Not only can taking legal action provide a sense of empowerment, it could also potentially stop other kids from being abused.
If you are concerned about your privacy, or remaining anonymous, you can learn more about that in our Questions & Answers section on our website.
California Child Victims Act
On January 1, 2020, the California Child Victims Act (AB 218) opened a three-year window for California child sexual assault survivors of any age to file claims against their perpetrators and the institutions responsible for the abuse, no matter when the abuse occurred. This means survivors abused in California only have until December 31, 2022, to take legal action.
You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.
It’s time for justice. It’s time for you to share your story safely and confidentially. It’s time to lay down your burden and reclaim some of your power. It’s time to expose those who hurt you and make sure what happened to you never happens to another child. It’s time to take action under the California Child Victims Act. Before making a decision concerning such severe and sensitive matters, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse to consult with legal counsel before proceeding with a claim. We want to help you find accountability and healing. We will stand by you. We will fight for you.