Alumni of Legacy Christian Academy in Saskatoon and other protesters gathered outside Mile Two Church on Sunday, calling on the government to stop funding the school.
“We really want the provincial government to stop funding this place with public tax dollars,” said spokeswoman Caitlin Erickson. “It's just crazy that they continue to double down on supporting this place.”
Erickson and other alumni launched a $25 million Class Action In 2022, the academy's administrators, Mile Two Church, were sued after students claimed they were physically and sexually abused during their time at the school.
None of the allegations have been proven in court. Erickson said she expects the civil case to be reopened in the fall.
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Several former staff members at Legacy Christian Academy, which is funded by the Department of Education, are facing criminal charges over allegations of abuse.
“We have a very large criminal trial beginning on Monday, so this is an opportunity for the public to show support for all of the students and alumni who have to come forward and testify,” Erickson said.
John OlugbobokunThe former school principal will appear before a judge on Monday for a week-long trial on armed assault charges.
He is due back in court in late June. More assault charges along with former principal Dave Friesen. Friesen is also scheduled to stand trial separately in August.
After many delays, the former Vice-President and Director Ken Schultz He has been rescheduled to stand trial at the Crown Court in October 2024 to face charges of sexual assault and assault with a weapon.
Former Athletic Director Alan Bennewes He has been sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual assault.
Recently, Saskatoon police and the Ministry of Education confirmed the school is again under investigation.
According to police, an assault between a staff member and a young student was reported last week.
Other details have not been disclosed.
“It is just disgusting that new criminal charges have recently emerged,” Erickson said, “and this money was funded with our public funds.”
“That’s why this is so important for alumni who are now adults and have the ability to voice their ideas and move this forward.”
The Ministry of Education told Global News they were aware of Sunday's protest and said it was important to support parental choice and the ability to have religious education in Saskatchewan.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education said: “The Education Act 1995 provides for the registration of private schools. This provision allows parents/guardians to educate their children in accordance with their controversial beliefs, which may include faith-based education, and provides them with a legal right to be exempt from attending public or private schools.”
As time went on, the case gained more public support, but not as much government support, Erickson said.
“We haven't seen any changes from the government where they're saying they're going to stop funding them or saying we were wrong and we need to step back and assess. In reality, none of that has happened,” she said.
Erickson's hope is to close the school.
“We know that these individuals will not self-evaluate at Mile Two if it is made public,” Erickson said. “That's why there needs to be criminal and civil prosecutions, because they're not going to do this on their own unless they are shut down.”
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