Features

California school administrator demoted for underwear inspection

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SAN DIEGO — A female assistant principal was demoted for lifting girls’ skirts to make sure they weren’t wearing thongs to a high school dance. 

Rita Wilson’s thong check April 26 in front of male students and adults had enraged parents, one of whom threatened to sue. 

The Rancho Bernardo High School administrator, who has tenure, will be reassigned to a teaching position, the school board decided Monday. 

“I’m very disappointed and deeply saddened,” Wilson, 47, said as she wiped away tears and hugged supporters. 

An investigation by the school district concluded Wilson “went far beyond the grounds of propriety” with the underwear inspection. 

Students said Wilson lifted girls’ skirts before they entered the dance, and told those wearing thongs to go home and change. 

Wilson said she was concerned the combination of revealing clothing and suggestive dancing could lead to sexual assaults.