WARNING: This article contains disturbing details
It was run and covered up by multiple officials at a Christian school and an adjacent church, former students say.
The allegations are contained in a 30-page complaint filed Monday afternoon in the Queen's Court of Saskatoon by Saskatoon attorneys Grant Scharfstein and Samuel Edmondson.
The proposed class-action lawsuit follows CBC News' investigation this month into allegations of widespread physical abuse, solitary confinement, exorcism and coercive political campaigning by more than 30 students. .
An undisclosed number of former student plaintiffs are seeking $25 million in compensation and other unspecified damages. They also want the immediate and permanent closure of schools and a permanent ban on all defendants from working in schools with minors. , the student was "physically, sexually, psychologically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually traumatized by his experience." They engage in self-harm and substance abuse, are driven to suicide, have difficulty maintaining employment and relationships, and continue to require medical and psychological care.
" Each of the damages was an intentional, foreseeable and anticipated result of defendant's tortious conduct," it states.
About 20 officials have been named, and documents say others, as yet unnamed, are also involved. All were staff, volunteers, leaders or "elders" of the former Saskatoon Christian Center Church and Christian Center Academy School, now known as Mile He Two Church and Legacy Christian Academy.
None of the allegations made in the proposed class action have been proven in court. No defense has been filed and Defendant has approximately one month to probate.
On Monday, he said an official at Mile Two Church, contacted by CBC News, would have an interview on Tuesday, but would need to speak to a lawyer first.
Some of the students and lawyers involved are scheduled for a press conference Tuesday afternoon outside a courthouse in Saskatoon.
The statement of claim states that "the employees, agents, and representatives of Mile Two Church Inc. "Employees, agents, and representatives of Mile Two Church Inc. sexually affectionately engage in sexual affection with church students, minor followers, and congregations." It was said that
In one case, an adult worker told students to "go with him to the bathroom, put candy on his penis, and let the girl drink the candy with his hand or mouth." 40}
On another occasion, workers "cut pockets out of their pants and told the girls to reach into their pockets," the allegation states.
In another case, it said, a student was taken to the restroom by senior staff and stripped of his pants and undergarments so that he could be inspected for ``paddle paddling''.
According to the alleging statement, some students came forward and confided in other staff about the sexual abuse. Students say it was covered up.
The students were sent to an unqualified school counselor and told not to speak in order to "cover and maintain secrecy regarding sexual abuse," according to the statement.
Students said they were threatened with paddling or other violence if they did not remain silent.
The student said he was bruised while paddling.
Aside from the alleged sexual assault, the allegations were against the other alleged incident at the school.
Students say they were repeatedly beaten with large wooden paddles for numerous violations. These allegedly include whispering during class or church services, being viewed as disrespectful of adults, interacting with people who are not members of the school or church, being within six inches of students of the opposite sex, and peers.
One boy who was late to finish his schoolwork paddled daily for two months, the allegation states.
Several students told his CBC News that he often suffered from bruising and limp for days while rowing.
This claim names an individual who is held responsible, but states that the agency is also responsible. It alleges that the facility has "violated the standards of care" under which it is obliged to care for the children. Confirmed criminal charges were filed. More than a dozen other hers interviewed this past week say they plan to do so as well.
Students and her NDP opposition in the state are demanding that the Saskatchewan government cease operations at the school and conduct a full investigation. Failing that, they want the government to stop sending more than $700,000 a year in public money to schools.
Education Minister Dustin Duncan declined repeated interview requests from CBC News. In a written statement, his office said no action would be considered until the police investigation was completed. declined the request, but issued two written statements.
They said They now welcome a place open to everyone. They said anyone who "felt" they had been mistreated should contact the police, and promised to cooperate with any investigation.
A statement that corporal punishment had not been used in the school for more than 20 years was disputed by more than a dozen students interviewed.
Officials also said they attempted to apologize numerous times, both publicly and privately, but the students interviewed were unaware of such actions.