Student mentor in KCK schools accused of inappropriate messages. What’s being done?

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and police are investigating alleged inappropriate private messages to at least two girls from the founder of independent student mentoring organization Warriors 4 Wyandotte.

If true, the allegations are utterly alarming — that someone holding himself up as a trusted confidante and mentor would be even close to flirting with, or hitting on, young girls or women.

Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield sent a letter to district parents Sunday alerting them to the allegations against Warriors 4 Wyandotte CEO Robert Vargas, writing, “While this is very early on in the inquiry, I want you to know that we take reports like this very seriously.” The letter applauded two girls who have come forward on social media, and asked others with information to do the same. Turner Unified School District also told parents in a letter that it was suspending its partnership with Warriors 4 Wyandotte.

Kansas City, Kansas police also are investigating an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip of alleged “inappropriate behavior by a member of an organization that partners with local schools,” a spokesperson said Monday.

In one alleged text exchange, posted on Facebook by an 18-year-old who’s been involved with the organization, Vargas allegedly wrote that he wanted company while getting drunk, adding, “Maybe we will have a drink or 2 Tuesday night beautiful.”

In another exchange with her, Vargas allegedly writes that he knows she has texted someone named “Lis,” and apologizes: “I’m sorry don’t say anything please. Everything will be fine. I’m sorry for everything I really am. I really am sorry and have never done this before. I just feel so bad. Your (sic) really a great girl.”

In another text, he allegedly wrote to her, “You looked so cute today. I really enjoy talking to you.”

And in another text the student mentor allegedly writes, “School sucks. I know I’m not supposed to say that but it is what it is.”

“Keep in mind,” she writes in her Facebook post, “I just turned 18 and he is someone I tell my personal things to. He is in his late 30s with a wife and family. … Please do not support (Warriors 4 Wyandotte). He is using his platform to target girls my age and younger. He also private messaged a 16 year old.”

“Wanted to say,” another girl posted on Facebook, “this should be stopped.” She wrote that she’d been involved with the organization too, “and didn’t go to have messages from Rob, from a MAN that is in his 30s, while texting (an) underage female. Felt uncomfortable with each message he would send, and didn’t feel strong enough to come out and say anything, as well while saying I am not the only girl to be going through this.”

The Star Editorial Board has reached out to Vargas, as well as the two young women.

“I am not the first nor will I be the last so help me expose them,” the 18-year-old wrote.

The Warriors 4 Wyandotte website says, “Warriors 4 Wyandotte was founded in 2019 by Robert Vargas, helping more than 500+ students and families in Wyandotte County. Warriors visits over 34 schools year round and has a heavy presence in the Juvenile Detention Center located in Wyandotte County. Warriors walks life with these students!”

It’s a great idea and a needed service, which has no doubt helped many students. But all that good would not justify anything as inappropriate as these two young women are alleging.

The district is right to be taking the allegations seriously.