Florida Department of Education Investigates Dax Rankine Over Alleged Sexual Assault at Sunset Palms Elementary.

The Florida Department of Education has launched proceedings concerning the educator's license of Dax Rankine, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a student while working as the athletic director at Sunset Palms Elementary School in Boynton Beach. Although Rankine has not been criminally charged, the Department of Education has initiated action based on the allegations against him, which could result in sanctions or the potential revocation of his teaching license.

A "probable cause" document signed by Manny Diaz, the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, confirms the department's intent to investigate Rankine’s conduct further. According to the document, Rankine is accused of raping a student on two separate occasions.

The alleged incidents took place while Rankine was employed at Sunset Palms Elementary, though the accusations have not led to criminal charges at this time.

Despite the absence of criminal charges, Rankine is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the alleged victim and her family. The lawsuit names Rankine and the Palm Beach County School District as defendants, highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings. The lawsuit claims that the incidents occurred just before the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Dax Rankine was originally denied an educator's license due to past issues. He took legal action against the Florida Department of Education and ultimately reached a settlement that allowed him to pursue a teaching career. This settlement, made in 2007, plays a significant role in the ongoing case, as the lawsuit also refers to the agreement when discussing his background.

Although the Florida Department of Education has not filed criminal charges against Rankine, it is using the allegations as the basis to examine his professional conduct and evaluate whether his teaching credentials should be revoked. The Education Practices Commission's charging document, which outlines the charges against him, is a key piece of evidence in this investigation.

While Rankine remains eligible to teach, his duties at Sunset Palms Elementary School have been suspended. Reports indicate that Rankine has been removed from direct contact with students, and he is no longer working at the school.

Incidents of sexual assault or misconduct in schools are deeply concerning and, unfortunately, can sometimes occur in various educational settings. In Florida, as in other states, there have been several high-profile cases involving allegations of sexual assault or misconduct at primary and secondary schools over the years.

Below are some examples of similar incidents that have occurred in Florida schools:

1. Miami-Dade County – Teacher Arrested for Sexual Misconduct

In 2019, a teacher at an elementary school in Miami-Dade County was arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a student. The teacher was charged with several counts, and the incident led to a wider investigation into the school district’s handling of allegations of teacher misconduct. The case garnered significant media attention.

2. Broward County – Teacher Arrested for Inappropriate Behavior

In 2020, a former teacher in Broward County, Florida, was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a middle school student. The teacher was charged with sexual assault and exploitation. The case raised concerns about teacher-student relationships and the school district’s safeguards for preventing abuse.

3. Orange County – Teacher Arrested for Alleged Assault

In Orange County, Florida, a teacher at a middle school was arrested in 2021 on charges of sexual assault and misconduct involving a student. Authorities reported that the teacher had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a minor, leading to criminal charges and public scrutiny of the school’s response.

4. Tampa – Substitute Teacher Arrested for Abuse

In Tampa, Florida, a substitute teacher was arrested in 2019 after being accused of engaging in sexual activity with a student at a primary school. The teacher was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and exploitation. The incident raised questions about background checks and the hiring process for substitutes in Florida schools.

5. Palm Beach County – Teacher Arrested for Inappropriate Relationships

In Palm Beach County, a former teacher was arrested after being accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a high school student. The allegations were first reported by the student’s parents, and the teacher faced multiple criminal charges. The incident led to increased calls for reform in how schools handle allegations of sexual misconduct by educators.

Ian Cleary Extradited to U.S. After Sexual Assault Allegations and Disturbing Facebook Messages