The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) has issued a statement in regards to a multi-million dollar lawsuit seeking damages in regards to historic sexual assaults.
Earlier today myFM reported on a lawsuit filed on behalf of three students who were allegedly victims of an historic sexual assault dating back to the 1970’s. The Madawaska Current advises legal action has been initiated by two women, resident in Ottawa and Renfrew, and a man from Eganville who maintain they were abused by former educator Clarke Anderson who was Principal at Fairview Public School in Pembroke between 1973 and 1979. Anderson was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault against boys and girls in 1998. Michael Switzer, lawyer for the plaintiffs, says officials at the school board were aware of the abuse, but allowed it to continue for some years. He hopes others will come forward to seek justice.
The Renfrew County District School Board says they are reviewing a statement of claim filed in Ontario Superior Court on February 20, 2020 seeking damages related to sexual assaults that occurred in the early 1970’s. myFM reached out to the local school board today and they say a former employee was charged and convicted for these assaults in 1998. The school board says they unequivocally condemn any form of abuse toward students by those entrusted with their care. The RCDSB says at this time they are not in a position to comment on specific questions regarding the lawsuit or any of the events at issue.
The lawsuit seeks $10-million in damages.
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Multi-million dollar lawsuit connected to historical sexual assault claims