Salesianum School Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit from Former Teacher

The school denied liability but reached a settlement with the longtime art teacher who alleged retaliation for speaking up about student safety.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:49am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a school emblem or crest, repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the iconic symbol into modern pop art.A settlement in a whistleblower lawsuit against a Catholic high school raises questions about accountability and transparency in private education.Wilmington Today

Salesianum School, a Catholic high school in Wilmington, Delaware, has settled a lawsuit filed by a former teacher and alum, Brian Magargal, who claimed he was forced out of his job because he pointed out lapses in the school's training program meant to prevent child abuse. The school denied the claims and liability, but reached a settlement with Magargal, whose terms are not public.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in private schools, especially those with histories of sexual abuse allegations. The lawsuit also raised questions about the school's leadership and its treatment of employees who raise concerns about student safety.

The details

Magargal taught art at Salesianum for nearly three decades and at one point directed the art department. He sued the school in 2024, claiming his ouster violated state whistleblower protections and laws meant to protect employees going through health issues. The school denied the claims in court filings. The lawsuit named the school and the Rev. J. Christian Beretta, the school's principal, as defendants. Beretta had announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2025/26 school year. The lawsuit claimed that Beretta falsely told the school community that Magargal had simply retired, when in fact he was ousted for 'expressing his belief that young boys and men are endangered by Salesianum School's institutional refusal to take seriously the lessons of the past about giving priests unfettered access to minors.' The lawsuit also claimed that Magargal complained the school failed for two years to conduct training aimed at identifying and addressing signs of potential child abuse.

  • Magargal taught art at Salesianum for nearly three decades.
  • Magargal sued the school in 2024.
  • Beretta announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2025/26 school year.

The players

Brian Magargal

A longtime Salesianum art teacher and alum who sued the school, claiming he was forced out of his job for speaking up about lapses in the school's child abuse prevention training program.

Salesianum School

A Catholic high school in Wilmington, Delaware that settled a whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former teacher.

Rev. J. Christian Beretta

The principal of Salesianum School, who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit and announced his retirement at the end of the 2025/26 school year.

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What they’re saying

“The lawsuit claimed that Beretta falsely told the school community Magargal had simply retired. Instead, the lawsuit claims Beretta ousted Magargal for 'expressing his belief that young boys and men are endangered by Salesianum School's institutional refusal to take seriously the lessons of the past about giving priests unfettered access to minors.'”

— Brian Magargal, Former Teacher

What’s next

The terms of the settlement agreement between Salesianum School and Brian Magargal are not public, so it's unclear if the school will implement any changes to its child abuse prevention policies or training programs as a result of this case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges private schools face in balancing accountability and transparency, especially when it comes to issues of student safety and allegations of misconduct. It also underscores the importance of empowering whistleblowers who raise concerns about potential harm to minors.