Case 4: The St. George’s School Abuse Case
Time & Location: 1970s-1980s, Rhode Island, USA
Victim: Dozens of students
Background: In the 1970s and 1980s, St. George’s School, an elite boarding school in Rhode Island, was the site of extensive sexual abuse perpetrated by staff members against students. The abuse was covered up by the school administration, and many of the victims were threatened into silence. It wasn’t until decades later, in the early 2010s, that survivors began to come forward, revealing the scope of the abuse and the institutional failures that allowed it to continue unchecked.
Current Status: After the abuse came to light, the school commissioned an independent investigation, which confirmed the allegations and identified numerous victims and perpetrators. St. George’s School issued public apologies and implemented new policies to prevent future abuses. Several lawsuits were filed by the victims, resulting in substantial settlements. The case underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in educational institutions.