Legendary St. Michael’s College School has been rocked to its core amidst an alleged sexual assault scandal now under investigation by Toronto Police.
The alleged assaults in two hazing incidents, a video of the alleged incidents being labelled as child pornography, questions on when police were notified, and students being expelled had the Catholic school reaching out to parents to apologize while expressing a guarantee such actions fall beneath the highly regarded educational institution’s moral standards.
“At St. Michael’s College School, nothing matters more than the safety and well-being of our students,” the school said in a statement Wednesday. “Teaching our students goodness, discipline and knowledge in an environment where respect for others is paramount is a responsibility we take very seriously.
“This week, to our shock and dismay, we learned of two incidents that were in clear violation of our Student Code of Conduct. The school has zero tolerance for such behaviour.”
It is being described by sources as an alleged hazing incident involving the school’s football team.
“The school administration promptly conducted an internal investigation, including meeting individually with the students involved and their parents,” said the release. “As a result, swift and decisive disciplinary action has taken place, including expulsions.”
Sources say up to ten students may have been kicked out of the Grades 7-12 school, which is noted for scores of esteemed alumni including legendary Toronto Maple Leafs and parliamentarians Frank Mahovlich and Red Kelly.
“We are deeply sorry that these incidents occurred. From this unfortunate situation, we redouble our efforts to educate and promote respect for others in the school and in the community,” the school said.
Toronto Police spokesman Meaghan Gray said “police were not aware of the alleged incidents until the media called with questions about it today (Wednesday).”
The acting director of corporate communications said “we had no information on it” and immediately called 13 Division to see if they did.
“The school said they notified the police on Monday,” she said, adding that has not been verified.
Gray said from the information she has at this point “we became aware of this incident today.” Toronto Police’s Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and 13 Division detectives have started a “full scale investigation” into it.
“Regardless of who was notified and when we have the information, we have video and there is an active investigation going on,” said Gray, who added any children in need of medical assistance will be provided it.
Toronto Police also warned against broadcasting or sharing the video of the alleged hazing.
“Police believe a video depicting the alleged assault is being circulated” and “investigators from the Child Exploitation Section have been consulted and have determined the video meets the definition of child pornography,” Toronto Police said in a release.
“Anyone who has this video is in possession of child pornography. The video must be deleted immediately and cannot be shared with anyone.”
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