External probes of Montreal-area high school ordered after basketball coaches arrested on sex charges
Posted February 8, 2022 1:07 pm.
Last Updated February 8, 2022 1:10 pm.
Two external investigations have been ordered into the allegedly toxic climate at a Montreal high school where three coaches were arrested on sex charges last week. This is apart from the criminal one.
In a statement, the Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys said late Monday afternoon that after seeing reports about the allegedly abusive situation at École secondaire Saint-Laurent, they’ve ordered an independent probe.
Education Minister Jean-François Roberge tweeting that he ordered an administrative investigation through the ministry, under the provision of the Education Act.
À la suite des révélations sur le climat de travail à l'école secondaire Saint-Laurent à Montréal, j'ai demandé qu'une enquête du ministère de l'Éducation soit déclenchée. Élèves et personnel scolaire doivent se sentir en confiance et en sécurité dans nos écoles.
— Jean-F. Roberge (@jfrobergeQc) February 8, 2022
“The allegations brought to the department’s attention in this case are worrying and that is why I was quick to mandate the department’s teams to investigate,” Roberge said in a statement.
“There is no compromise on the safety of students and staff within the network. Our schools must be safe and healthy environments at all times.”
In the aftermath of the arrests of three basketball coaches on sex-related charges last week, witnesses told La Presse they had tried to denounce the alleged abuse of coaches, but they said a climate of verbal abuse and intimidation prevailed in the girls’ basketball program.
On Feb. 2, police arrested Daniel Lacasse and Charles-Xavier Boislard, both 43, and Robert Luu, 31. Together they face eight charges involving two female victims, with the offences alleged to have occurred between 2008 and 2017.
Montreal police said last week they were looking for other possible victims, some could be from present day.
Luu and Lacasse are due back in court this week for bail hearings, while Boislard was granted bail last week – with conditions.
Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys says it has hired an external firm to establish a “fair portrait” of the situation and that it is committed to the safety and well-being of students and staff.
“No effort will be spared to clarify this situation, which is taken very seriously,” the service centre said in a statement.
