Sex abuse prevention experts: Brentwood Academy student policies may send troubling message

TENNESSEE
Tennessean

Anita Wadhwani and Holly Meyer, Knoxville Aug. 18, 2017

At the center of allegations that a 12-year-old boy was raped in 2015 in the locker room of an elite Brentwood Christian school are questions about how school officials respond to student misconduct.

A review of a Brentwood Academy student handbook reveals a biblical-based approach to student conduct.

Sexual abuse prevention advocates said portions of that guidance may be sending a troubling message to students.

And a comparison of Brentwood Academy student conduct and discipline guidelines to other local Christian and public schools shows a different approach to communicating how the academy responds to allegations of sexual misconduct.

‘Treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt taxpayer’

The academy’s “Student Conduct and Discipline” policy begins by quoting this version of Matthew 18:15-17 as its model:

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won the person back.

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