BishopAccountability.org

NH attorney general launches investigation of St. Paul's School

By Jean Mackin
WMUR
July 15, 2017

http://www.wmur.com/article/nh-attorney-general-launches-investigation-of-st-pauls-school/10304781

[with video]

CONCORD, N.H. —

The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office is investigating the conduct of St. Paul's School in Concord in connection with sexual assaults at the school and a student practice known as the "senior salute."

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said the investigation was initiated as the result of a report concerning sexual assaults by teachers on their students and reports of ongoing student sexual conquest rituals.

St. Paul's graduate Owen Labrie was convicted of sexually assaulting a student in 2015. Prosecutors at the time said that he was taking part in a practice known as the "senior salute," in which seniors try to have sex with younger students before graduation.

Officials said there are reports that the senior salute happened again this year.

"Protection of children is a paramount priority for law enforcement," Gordon said. "I am confident that an institution such as St. Paul's School will be fully cooperative with this investigation."

In a statement sent to WMUR, Michael Hirschfeld, Rector at St. Paul's School, said the school has been in contact with local law enforcement, and would continue to fully cooperate with any inquiries received.

"We also intend to work closely with the Attorney General’s office to answer any and all questions regarding the independent report issued last month," Hirschfeld added. "Our goal is and always will be the health, safety and well-being of our students. We will work tirelessly to meet that goal and strengthen the public's faith in St. Paul's School.”

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence said it commends the Attorney General's Office for opening the investigation.

"While administrators at St. Paul's School recently disclosed a decades-long history of sexual assault and misconduct on campus, they seem to be unwilling or unable to comprehend the ongoing problem unfolding right in front of their eyes today," said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, in a statement.

"This investigation is an opportunity for the School to assess the reality of sexual misconduct on their campus and take the proper steps to craft model policies, establish a prevention plan, train faculty, and connect students to support services,” she added.

Gov. Chris Sununu released a statement about the launch of the investigation.

“Nothing is more important than the safety, security, and wellbeing of our children, and I am encouraged by the Attorney General’s actions to investigate the alleged abuse at Saint Paul’s School. Sexual assault will not be tolerated in New Hampshire, and I commend the Attorney General’s office for taking aggressive action to fully investigate this matter," Sununu said.

Contact: jmackin@hearst.com




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