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St. Mike's principal didn't breach duty to report: Abuse specialist lawyer I Ottawa Sun
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St. Mike's principal didn't breach duty
to report: Abuse specialist lawyer
Sam Pazzano Courts Bureau
Published:
November 21, 2018
Updated:
November 21, 2018 5:49 PM EST
Filed Under:
Ottawa Sun > News >
Ontario
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11/22/2018 St. Mike's principal didn't breach duty to report: Abuse specialist lawyer I Ottawa Sun
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Lawyer says St. Mike's abdicated their responsibility to students
"I haven't seen a significant increase in student on student violence in
my practice;" said Merritt, who doesn't know the children involved in
the criminal case.
Merritt has represented hundreds of clients in historical and recent
sexual and physical abuse cases — including abuse by members of
clergy, doctors, police officers, teachers, relatives and neighbours.
ADVERTISEMENT
She has represented clients who have sued school boards (both
public and private,) churches, children's clubs, Children's Aid
Societies, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers, group homes and training
schools.
"The media sees this (the principal's delay) as a cover-up because it
makes for a better story," said Merritt.
"The principal has several obligations, beyond reporting this to the
police, including protecting students and expelling those responsible.
SIX STUDENTS ARRESTED: More alleged St. Michael's School...
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11/22/2018
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St. Mike's principal didn't breach duty to report: Abuse specialist lawyer I Ottawa Sun
"The principal waited 36 hours so that the boy could tell his mother
face-to-face what happened and the school has taken several
initiatives, including an independent investigation, counselling, an
anonymous tip -line and the cancellation of activities, to help the
community through this difficult period;" said Merritt.
"We are deeply saddened by the recent events that have taken place
at our beloved school;" said St. Michael's College board of directors in Come
a statement issued Wednesday. ���1� V°�II�,
"They are offensive to everything we stand for and to the values we
strive to instill in our students. Through this difficult time, our first
priority remains to the victims and the safety and well-being of our
entire student body, faculty and staff."
The board said it was it was "united in support of both President
Father Jefferson Thompson and Principal Greg Reeves.
"They continue to have the board's full support for how this situation
is being handled. Witnessing the standing ovation at last night's
(Tuesday) alumni meeting, I believe they have their overwhelming
support."
TWO NEW ALLEGATIONS: More videos surface during St. Milk...
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11/22/2018 St. Mike's principal didn't breach duty to report: Abuse specialist lawyer I Ottawa Sun
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11/22/2018 St. Mike's principal didn't breach duty to report: Abuse specialist lawyer I Ottawa Sun
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