Former Students Urge Sask. Province to Act on Abuse Allegations at Legacy Christian Academy

Former students of a private Christian school in Saskatchewan, where physical and sexual abuse is alleged to have taken place, say the provincial government needs to be more transparent and take further action against former employees of the school.

The students say the province’s decision to appoint an administrator to oversee three schools in response to the allegations is not enough. They also say the people accused should not be allowed to keep working in schools while the allegations are investigated. “I think it’s very clear what needs to be done when there are allegations of child abuse against people in positions of authority over children,” said Stefanie Hutchinson.

Earlier in the month, a CBC News investigation detailed years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that students allegedly endured at the former Saskatoon Christian Centre Church and the Christian Centre Academy school, now known as Mile Two Church and Legacy Christian Academy. The abuse is alleged to have been carried out by staff and leadership at the school and adjacent church.

More than 30 former students have filed criminal complaints, and a class action lawsuit seeks $25 million in damages. A former Christian Centre Academy youth pastor told CBC News that the allegations are “100 per cent true.” These remain allegations and claims in a lawsuit, not findings by a court.

Saskatoon police have confirmed an investigation and said they handed the file to Crown prosecutors in April for consideration of possible charges.

Education Minister Dustin Duncan announced that the province would appoint administrators to oversee operations at three schools: Legacy Christian Academy, Regent Academy in Prince Albert and Grace Christian School in Saskatoon. All three employ people named in the class action lawsuit. That the schools remain open with those staff in place points to the need to protect children who may be affected (Psalm 82:3).

Stefanie Hutchinson and her sister Christina Hutchinson say they are confused and disappointed by the lack of concrete action taken by the provincial government. They say the decision to appoint an administrator, rather than removing the teachers from the schools, is baffling.

Source: Read the original report