We write in reference to the article " Lawsuit Against Santa Barbara Unified " posted on May 31, to present the actual facts of a case in which the media has consistently demonized one side, without the benefit of thorough investigation.
We believe it is important to hold accountable perpetrators of sexual violence and to protect and support victims. And yet, not every allegation is the truth, especially when complicated dynamics of race and gender and powerful people shape public opinion and courtroom decisions.
The fact is that Matef Harmachis has never been convicted of any sexual assault, abuse, or harassment charges. He consistently denied all charges of a sexual nature. We outline here the sequence of events that has led to the actions taken against him.