Broward High School Debate Teacher Resigns Amid Investigation
Teacher Accused of Sending Inappropriate Text Messages to Student
Dario Camara, a 42-year-old debate teacher at Western High in Davie, has resigned from his position after being accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a student and forcing students to pay fees to attend his class.
Investigation Launched After Arrest
The school district started investigating Camara after he was arrested on fraud-related charges in February. The charges came after a business owner said he was never paid for nearly $16,000 in catering services he provided. Camara has pleaded not guilty.
Text Messages Spark Investigation
After Camara’s arrest became public, a Western High student shared with police and district officials a text exchange he said he had with Camara that included references to Camara’s sex life and alleged drug use. Camara was scheduled to meet with a Broward schools police detective about the text messages but canceled the meetings, saying he was resigning.
Resignation Processed
"Your resignation, effective November 1, 2024, has been processed and your personnel file has been coded for non-rehire status, resigned in lieu of termination," said a Nov. 7 letter to Camara from Jeffrey Levine, a police lieutenant assigned to the district’s professional standards department.
Investigation Concludes
The district’s investigation concluded that Camara secured the services for the debate team events on campus without the principal’s approval or knowledge, a violation of district rules. The investigation also confirmed that Camara had access to the booster club’s credit card and PayPal accounts, despite a district policy prohibiting employees from accessing these funds.
Student Shares Text Message Exchange
The student, whose age was redacted in the report, told investigators with Davie police and the school district that he initially reached out to Camara, after learning he’s gay. The student said he visited Camara’s classroom a few times and had "one-on-one conversations" and got his cell phone number.
Text Messages Include References to Sex Life and Drug Use
A series of "inappropriate text messaging conversations" started during the early morning hours of Oct. 21, 2023, the investigation states. The text exchange includes some descriptions of sexual activities with other men, as well as several photos.
Student Transfers to Virtual School
The teen told investigators the text messages made him so uncomfortable "that he did not return to school so he wouldn’t run into Mr. Camara. When asked what [the student] thought would happen if he ran into Mr. Camara at school he replied, ‘It would just be awkward and I don’t wanna put myself in that situation.’"
Conclusion
Dario Camara’s resignation comes after a thorough investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior and financial misconduct. The district’s investigation concluded that Camara violated district rules and policies, and his resignation is a necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
FAQs
Q: What was Dario Camara accused of?
A: Camara was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a student and forcing students to pay fees to attend his class.
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The investigation concluded that Camara violated district rules and policies, and he resigned from his position.
Q: What was the nature of the text messages exchanged between Camara and the student?
A: The text messages included references to Camara’s sex life and alleged drug use, as well as descriptions of sexual activities with other men.
Q: What was the student’s reaction to the text messages?
A: The student told investigators that the text messages made him so uncomfortable that he did not return to school and eventually transferred to a virtual school.
