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St. Paul’s School investigation ends with “groundbreaking” settlement

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Concluding an investigation into possible criminal sexual misconduct violations at a private preparatory school in Concord, Attorney General Gordon McDonald announced a settlement had been reached last week.

The agreement allows St. Paul’s School and its leaders to avoid criminal charges for child endangerment in exchange for accepting state oversight for up to five years. The settlement covers all allegations from the attorney general's 14-month criminal probe of the school, but does not prevent the attorney general from filing charges about any offenses that are discovered in the future. The attorney general said that in the next few months, his office will release to the public a final report with the details of specific allegations.

Learn more about New Hampshire’s rape and sexual assault laws

The investigation into sexual misconduct at the school followed reports that teachers had been sexually assaulting students for years. St. Paul’s also came under scrutiny thanks to the case of former student Owen Labrie, who was convicted of using technology to sexually target a younger female student as part of an unofficial school rite.

The terms of the agreement call for an independent compliance overseer to be installed on campus for at least five years, charged with making sure the school adheres to the agreement. The school must also create policies and procedures to protect students, such as reporting allegations of abuse to law enforcement officials, staff training, and offering victim services on campus. While the school will pay the overseer’s salary and benefits, the individual will be selected by the attorney general’s office and will report to the attorney general and the public.

Critics of the agreement say the attorney general should have brought criminal charges of child endangerment and sought the maximum penalties as a lesson that schools cannot allow sexual predators on campus.

Supporters note that any indictments would have likely been for misdemeanor violations, requiring only payment of a fine, and argue that the agreement for an overseer holds the school accountable for its future behavior for a long period of time.

Do you agree with the decision of the NH attorney general’s office to appoint an overseer to monitor sexual misconduct allegations at St. Paul’s School, rather than pursue criminal charges? Comment below to share your opinion.

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