A local school in Saskatoon may be taking over the facility currently occupied by Legacy Christian Academy, a qualified independent school that has been embroiled in a $25-million class-action lawsuit and allegations of abuse. The lawsuit against the provincial government and Mile Two Church, which operated Legacy Christian Academy, was filed in 2022, and five criminal court cases have arisen as a result. The former students involved claim that corporal punishment was used as a disciplinary measure, and that employees engaged in sexual relationships with students and churchgoers. These allegations have not yet been tested in court.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education has stated that they have not received any formal notification of the closure of Legacy Christian Academy, but if the transition were to take place, all conditions currently in place for Legacy Christian Academy would remain in place at Westdale Christian School. A letter outlining the proposed relocation has surfaced in reports and on social media, although the source of the letter has not been confirmed by Global News. Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill addressed the situation, stating that they are still awaiting formal communication from Legacy Christian Academy regarding their operational status for the upcoming school year.
One of the former students, Caitlin Erickson, has expressed her belief that Legacy Christian Academy should close its doors, stating that she will always be concerned as long as individuals from the school are in positions of authority over minors. She mentioned that they are pursuing legal action at various levels, including criminal cases, civil cases, and upcoming regulatory board hearings for certified teachers involved in the allegations. Global News attempted to reach out to Mile Two Church for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
The situation involving the potential relocation of Legacy Christian Academy to Westdale Christian School raises concerns about the continuation of operations for a school that is facing serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. The allegations of corporal punishment and sexual relationships involving employees have not yet been proven in court, but the legal actions taken by former students suggest that there may be substance to their claims. The Ministry of Education’s statement regarding the retention of current conditions at Westdale Christian School if the relocation were to occur indicates a sense of continuity in the educational services provided.
Erickson’s insistence that Legacy Christian Academy should cease operations until all individuals connected to the abuse allegations are removed from positions of authority highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational environments. The pursuit of justice through criminal and civil cases, as well as regulatory board hearings, reflects a comprehensive effort to hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing. The lack of response from Mile Two Church to requests for comment adds further uncertainty to the situation, leaving the fate of Legacy Christian Academy and its potential relocation in question.
In conclusion, the potential takeover of Legacy Christian Academy’s facility by Westdale Christian School amidst ongoing legal battles and abuse allegations underscores the complexities and challenges faced by those seeking justice and accountability. The fate of Legacy Christian Academy remains uncertain as former students continue to push for closure and pursue legal action through various channels. The Ministry of Education’s stance on maintaining current conditions in the event of a relocation raises questions about oversight and accountability in the education sector. The lack of response from Mile Two Church further adds to the ambiguity surrounding the situation, leaving the community and stakeholders awaiting clarity on the future of both schools involved.
