An investigation by St. George’s has identified 23 former students who were sexually assaulted by three staff members in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
The assaults were covered up by the school administration and authorities were not notified.
St. George’s sent a letter Wednesday to alumni of the prestigious boarding school that reads in part,
“To all victims, we are truly, deeply sorry for the harm done to you by former employees or former students of the School. We are heartbroken for you and for the pain and suffering that you have endured. We pledge to do all we can to support you in your efforts to heal, if you want or need our support.”
“It is evident that school failed on several occasions to fulfill its legal reporting requirements to the authorities. We believe the school could have done more to keep its students safe.”
The allegations were first raised by Anne Scott, a student who attended St. George’s in the late 1970’s. At the time Scott, 15, was repeatedly raped by Al Gibbs, a 67-year-old athletic trainer on the staff at St George’s. Four other girls made similar sexual assault accusations.
St. George’s fired the trainer in 1980 but did not report the assaults to law enforcement.
Visit the Boston Globe to read the full report.
St. George’s has 365 students in Grades 9 through 12 and charges $56,000 annual tuition for boarders.
PS – I’m sure dumping this news story in holiday media cycle where no one’s paying attention and while the kids are on winter break was totally a coincidence. Right?
