John F. Ross high school is preparing to offer parents more information after rumours of sexual assault allegedly involving students.
A letter from principal Beth Burns was posted to the school’s website on Oct. 6, telling students the school was aware of allegations on social media involving ‘disturbing reports of behaviour involving Ross students’.
‘We do know that there are unsafe parties happening outside of school, involving behaviour that is unacceptable. We are currently working with Guelph Police to investigate those reports, and offer our support in any way,’ Burns wrote in the letter.
Burns goes on to suggest parents speak to their children regarding safe partying behaviour and concludes the letter by saying ‘stay safe Royals!’
On social media, some have said the letter equates to victim blaming, with the school choosing to use the wording ‘disturbing behaviour’ instead of calling it sexual assault and putting the onus on girls to ensure they are partying safely and not on the boys who are allegedly engaging in sexual assault.
Burns declined an opportunity to be interviewed for this story, asking that all media questions be directed to Heather Loney, the communications and community engagement officer at Upper Grand District School Board.
Loney said the intent of the letter was to make sure parents were aware of the allegations, that the school had reported them to police and to let parents know the school will support any victims that may come forward.
“The initial communication that went out to all parents was by no means meaning to equate unsafe partying with allegations of sexual assault,” said Loney.
She noted Guelph Police Service was contacted as soon as the school became aware of the allegations.
Const. Buzz Dean, of Guelph Police Service, said the school has been in contact with police regarding the allegations. He said at this point no victims have come forward with a complaint.
"At this time no one has come forward to provide information that they were the victim of a crime that police can investigate," said Dean, in an email to GuelphToday.
Loney said there was a good reason for the ‘disturbing behaviour’ wording that was used in the letter because the school has to be careful when republishing allegations that are made without evidence and without verification.
“The reason for the wording being vague — at this point — is police haven’t given us any information and we haven’t received any information directly that links evidence to those allegations,” said Loney.
A second letter is expected to be released today.
“The purpose of that (second) letter is to clear up any misunderstanding in the community regarding the first communication that went out to parents. Also, the letter going out today is going to detail further supports available at the school for anyone who does want to come forward,” said Loney.
Students who have specific allegations about sexual assault are being encouraged by the school to report them through official channels — police or a trusted adult — not through social media.
“If students have information, we’re urging them to come forward and report that information,” said Loney.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to include comment from police
