The Saskatchewan education ministry says individuals named in a $25-million lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse at a Saskatoon private school and church will not be working in schools this year.
More than 40 former students have come forward with abuse allegations dating from when they attended Christian Centre Academy, now known as Legacy Christian Academy.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
On Thursday, the Saskatchewan NDP called on the provincial government to remove from schools those teachers who may be under investigation.
In an emailed statement to Global News, the education ministry said “immediately after” it received the names in the statement of claim, it asked the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB) to investigate complaints regarding professional teachers who are named in the lawsuit.
“We understand the SPTRB has taken action and that these teachers will not be in the schools for the 2022-23 school year. No one named in the lawsuit will be working in schools for the 2022-23 school year,” an education spokesperson said.
Two former students that have come forward say it’s a relief those particular teachers won’t be in the classroom.
“We had a moment of quiet celebration yesterday when we were sharing it with other students who’ve come forward and just feeling a little bit of relief,” former LCA student Dr. Stefanie Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson and another former student, Caitlin Erickson, said however, there is still work that needs to be done.
“Just looking forward to the next thing where we need to get certifications addressed. We need to address the curriculum that’s being taught to kids,” Hutchinson added.
“If these schools are not following these guidelines, they shouldn’t have a certificate or be receiving public funds,” Erickson said.
The SPTRB takes complaints from students, parents, and the general public about teacher conduct and competency.
“We encourage anyone who has concerns about a teacher to contact the SPTRB. If someone has an allegation against staff that is criminal in nature, we urge them to immediately contact the local police,” the education spokesperson added.
The SPTRB told Global News it cannot comment on specific cases.
SPTRB registrar and chief operating officer Trevor Smith said when a complaint of a serious allegation is made, the professional conduct committee may ask SPTRB staff to ask the registered teacher to enter an agreement to cease all teaching and related activities.
“That’s a voluntary measure and is often way more expedient than seeking an order from a judge to temporarily suspend a certificate, namely at that point because we haven’t conducted an investigation and we haven’t collected any facts of the matter,” Smith said.
Smith said if the teacher refuses, the SPTRB would “certainly” seek a temporary suspension.
For more serious matters, Smith said the professional conduct committee could proceed with laying a formal complaint with the discipline committee, which would hear the matter.
Smith said notices of hearings are posted to the SPTRB website at least two weeks before they begin.
“The hearing is open to the public and it operates very much like a little court case in a quasi-judicial tribunal,” Smith said.
The discipline committee hears evidence, and the accused has the right to cross-examination.
“At the end of the trial, the discipline committee is tasked with deciding on a balance of probabilities, is the individual guilty or not,” Smith said.
If someone is found guilty, the discipline committee makes a disciplinary order that may include suspension or cancellation of a teacher’s certificate.
The education ministry is also “working quickly” to put an administrator in place at three private schools, including Legacy Christian Academy, that currently have staff named in the lawsuit.
“Each administrator’s priorities will include reviewing school staff and making personnel decisions to ensure student safety. Once administrators are in place they will schedule a meeting with any students or former students who are interested in speaking with them about the allegations.”
Children and Youth Advocate responds to allegations
On Thursday, Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck said a formal request has been submitted for the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth to investigate the provincial government’s response to the situation.
In a statement released Friday, Lisa Broda said she is “deeply concerned” about the allegations.
“The magnitude of the allegations of abuse that have surfaced over the past few weeks is very troubling and, though these matters will be worked out through the police investigation and court processes, it is critical to ensure that while the investigation is ongoing, children returning to school in the fall are doing so in a safe environment,” said Broda.
Broda said while Beck requested an investigation, the advocate “will be making this determination independent of that request.”
“With the upcoming school year approaching, my immediate concern is to ensure that, in the current context, young people are safe and protected in all three independent schools impacted,” said Broda.
Broda said young people have the right to be protected from harm and schools should be a place where youth “can safely and fully realize their rights to education and optimal development.”
“There is a high onus for accountability on institutions, such as schools, that hold significant authority over children and youth for such a substantial portion of their lives. When those institutions receive public funding and/or provide a public service, the need for transparency and oversight is paramount.”
“Although the legal issues raised in the Plaintiff’s statement of claim will be processed through the justice system, the Ministry of Education is also expected to exercise due diligence in its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and youth receiving services pursuant to The Education Act and its Regulations.”
The advocate called the government’s announcement of recent amendments to the Registered Independent School Regulations “a step in the right direction” but added it “remains to be seen” if these changes will be sufficient to ensure students’ rights are respected and protected.
Last week, education minister Dustin Duncan said three independent schools, including Legacy Christian Academy, will see an increase to 10 unannounced, supervised inspections per year — up from three in previous years.
Independent schools must also notify the education minister within 24 hours once they are aware that the school or someone working at the school is subject to a criminal investigation.
“It is under my authority and mandate to ensure services to children are in accordance with the legislation, regulations, and policy through which these services are provided and to ensure the rights of young people are protected. My office will be assessing all information provided to me and, again, will methodically consider the next steps in our review,” said Broda.
The advocate said they would not be commenting further at this time.