Nishimachi is committed to seeking the full truth about past misconduct by faculty or staff, to supporting and apologizing to alumni who were harmed in the past, and to ensuring the best possible safety protocols and support resources are in place to protect our current and future students.
The Jenner & Block Investigation
The international law firm of Jenner & Block conducted a broad investigation into any allegations of sexual misconduct by former or current faculty or staff members. The investigation was led by a former prosecutor who is very experienced in sexual abuse investigations. The School gave Jenner & Block full independence to take the investigation wherever it may lead and to report its findings to our community.
The Jenner & Block Report, which was released on April 30, 2019, can be accessed HERE. If you have questions about the Jenner & Block investigation or wish to report misconduct, please feel free to reach out directly to Karen O'Neill, our Head of School, via email (koneill@nishimachi.ac.jp) or phone (+81 (0)3-3451-5520).
The Nishimachi Therapy Fund
As announced in our community letter dated September 17, 2018, Nishimachi has established the Nishimachi's Therapy Fund, a referral and reimbursement program for survivors who wish to obtain professional counseling & Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred while they were attending Nishimachi may obtain counseling at no cost, whether or not they speak to the investigators.
We have entered into an arrangement with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), a leading provider of sexual assault services in the U.S., known for its victim-centered, trauma-informed approach. RAINN will provide support to alumni in two ways: 1) immediate emotional support services and 2) assistance in obtaining reimbursement for the cost of future therapy sessions through the Nishimachi Therapy Fund Hotline.
RAINN is available 24/7 to support survivors through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH). RAINN operates the NSAH in partnership with over 1,000 U.S. providers. Hotline staff are trained and available to support anyone in or outside the U.S. in need of immediate crisis intervention. RAINN can provide U.S.-based callers with resources to help them locate a counselor or therapist in their area. The NSAH be reached via telephone at +1 800-656-4783 or via online chat at www.online.rainn.org.
Alumni who wish to access the Therapy Fund, established to support alumni who want help paying for current therapy needed because of adult sexual misconduct they experienced during their time at Nishimachi, should call RAINN &Nishimachi-specific line at +1 (855) 245-4955 (toll-free in the U.S.). International access is available at +1 202-849-7729.
For more information about the Therapy Fund, please see our FAQ page.