By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
THE lawyer representing the graduating class of 2013 at St John’s College said yesterday she will file legal action, on behalf of her clients, against the school on Thursday.
The action comes after the Anglican Central Education Authority cancelled the graduation ceremony and prom amidst allegations of “impudent acts” by students.
The graduation was scheduled to take place yesterday at 10 am at Holy Trinity Church and the Emerald Ball was scheduled for Monday, June 24, at the Sheraton Hotel.
Ms Christina Galanos said her clients hoped the board would reverse their decision but since they didn’t, legal action will be taken to ensure the parents receive their $300, which they paid for the ceremonies.
“I will be officially filing on Thursday. They wanted the graduation and they didn’t get it, they want the prom and if they can’t they want their money back,” she said.
“I am still waiting on more students to come to see me and make it more formal, but as it stands I am representing the entire graduating class.”
When asked for a comment yesterday, Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd said he has “no comment” and wishes to “have nothing more to say on the matter at this time.”
However, Bishop Boyd told The Tribune on Monday that he is standing firm on his decision to cancel graduation and prom – despite the public outcry and in face of threatened legal action by the students.
Rumours spread over the weekend claiming that in addition to a prank involving graduates setting their phones off during a special mass and the viral spread of a video of students dancing in a hyper-sexual manner, graduates also orchestrated a “ditch day” when large numbers of the class didn’t attend school, claiming they were sick.
A press release from the Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) said it takes a “principled stand” on its decision to cancel the remaining senior class’ events.
“The decision is due to a breach of ACEA policies and school rules which misrepresented the organisation and showed total disregard for the Anglican ethos,” the release said.
Comments
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
Time out for all involved to rethink, recalculate. Principal Boyd is caught in a ring of fire and he needs to do more than take a hard stand against ALL students. Regardless of what side you're on, hiring lawyers to do battle against your school is not a constructive life teaching lesson way for students, or principal Boyd, to have ended their many years spent at St. John's College.
And, we pretend to be shocked at the slapping episode which took place inside the House of Assembly, between two supposedly well schooled MP's?
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Amen to that.
Nationalist 10 years, 10 months ago
Amen, amen!!!!
henny 10 years, 10 months ago
It is too bad innocent students have to suffer and pay for the actions of students involved in the pranks. Those involved should be penalized and dealt with. They are the ones who shouldn't get the money back.Parents wanting to sue should rethink and approach it in a more diplomatic way by sitting down at the table to discuss it with school officials. Parents should disipline theose involved. Maybe this will be a lesson to all.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
I don't know I I agree with the "hast" classification. It seems like there were multiple incidents where students would have acted inappropriately, been warned about inappropriate behaviour and continued to act in an unbecoming manner because "what you guh do to me, I'm graduating".
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
by TalRussell
banker 10 years, 10 months ago
This is high comedy and the buffoons are the parents, the students and the lawyer. A graduation ceremony is a privilege not a right. The school has the authority, power and dominion to do as it sees fit according to its charter. The students don't have a leg to stand on. Stand fast Bishop.
positiveinput 10 years, 10 months ago
If a person is spending monies to receive a service that is no longer a privilege, they in fact have a right to receice the service. Also it is stated that the 'sexual dance' was video taped so why cancel the entire ceremony instead of just excluding those involved on the film from being participants. Again remember that the students paid for various services so its not like the school was just throwing this 'free party' and now that a few may have piss of those in authority to hell with it the whole function is cancelled.
Or is it someone on the graduation board is a businessman and tried to used this event as a profitable venture but after little or no profit being foreseen its best to use the actions of the students as a crop out.
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Couple of things. If this goes to court and I hope it does not, the bishop, administrators at sjc will lose.There is a degree of expectation by the students who were not involved in the video and/or other misbehavior to have a graduating ceremony put on by the school as they did nothing wrong and paid their monies. Second, I would like to see this so-called contract the individual students signed as I dont know a minor can legally enter into a contract of any sort. Third, the parents/guardian or who ever was paying the tuition for these students for as long as the students for whom they paid, attended sjc ARE the ones with whom the school has an agreement and have the same expectation of as those students who were not foul of any ordinates. Fourth, and most importantly, if am living in a house with a family member who has been caught on camera to have committed a crime, how in the hell am I guilty of that offense if there is a video to show that I am not and was not there nor involved. Fifth, SJC has more to lose than these families; I wonder what enrollment September 2014 will look like after this fiasco.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
And what exactly is a "graduation" ceremony? If students walk in procession at an assembly and receive their diplomas is that definition enough?
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Seriously? Are we now in defining terms mode? Is there not a universal understanding of what a graduation ceremony is? Are you suggesting that there is misplaced sentimental attachments to this event...really?
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
No, I am suggesting that if they are handed their diploma at an assembly, then by definition, they have had a graduation ceremony..a somber one, but still a graduation ceremony. Seriously.
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Kinda like a jp wedding instead of a church...okay
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
Yes
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
That would hardly be momentous. Nothing beats a Church wedding. And to suggest otherwise is buffoonery
Understandfacts 10 years, 10 months ago
It is a right if it is contractually binding.. Hence the ability to pursue legal counsel over the matter. The students signed contracts created by the administration that spoke to the ceremony.
maryann 10 years, 10 months ago
The students have the right to receive their monies back, no one has the rights to holds on to hard earhed monies to which they did not provide service for .
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
Bishop Boyd look what you've gone done to your students. They'll be no revealing of a St. John's 2013 Prom King and Prom Queen?
Maybe a good thing the prom was cancelled. No telling since we're living in an all new sexual revolution, how the good Bishop may have handled it, if the prom's two crowns were won by the same student. Does explosive come to mind?
Stapedius 10 years, 10 months ago
The saga continues. They should get the money back I think. But going to court really doesn't solve anything. Who's paying the lawyer? Anyway, by the time it reaches court it will be mid July early August. Folks just need to calm down with all the legal talk. Get your money back, pick up your diplomas and move on. College, life, family, work awaits you. Don't get caught up on ceremony and small bumps in the road. As unfair as it may seem, the students will all come yo realize that we live in an unfair world. Not everything can or will go our way. Disappointing yes, frustrating I'm sure but, try not to dwell on it. Enjoy your summer and get ready for life.
By the way as you get older you realize how stupid prom really is. I went to my prom and I can't remember one thing about it. Even after all the fanfare of photos, car, suit etc. An absolute waste of time, money and energy.
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
God lord Comrade "Matusulim" How long ago was your prom that the whole fanfare thing over cameras had not even been invented by then?
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
It's not only the kids, it is their families and yes, there is the recourse for mental anguish and emotional pain and for sure if this goes to court, it will be much more than the graduating fees paid back to the parents.
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
I'm experience emotional pain just from reading some these posts. Think I got a good case?
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
No you decided on your on volition to come here.
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
OK you're right .....Comrade "Smartypants.?
Stapedius 10 years, 10 months ago
Hahaha, where are you living? What court or judge in this country will demand a huge settlement from any church in this country? The point that I was making previously is that the talk on the matter is too loose and rowdy. But that's the way we love things in this country. Then we find some jumped up young lawyer looking to build a practice to take the case. Go to court then I hope there is another lesson to be learned there.
And Tal you look like you don't know where to stand. Mix up like conch salad as usual.
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Are you implying that our legal system is rigged, not independent, all around a joke? Just want you to go on record. Do recall the land dispute between the church and Arawak, or Randy Frazier, etc..
legalmindatwork 10 years, 10 months ago
I just have one thing to say.....everyone keeps harping on the point that the school should pick out the guilty minority and punish them...but I feel that everyone has forgotten about their time at high school. I could remember being on the sidelines cheering those students on or knowing about various intended activities but saying nothing because I was loyal to my friends and my class....it would be unfair to discipline those who where CAUGHT compared to those who weren't. That is where the term the innocent will suffer for the guilty, because in most instances the innocent are a minority and the guilty are the majority. It's sad that everyone feels the need to take a strong stance not knowing the REAL story and we the public will never know. Just remember there are three sides to every story, the student's side, the school's side and the TRUTH.
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
So...in the absence of truth you support the punishment for all...not only is that kind of thinking unsupported globally, it's not even wise or discerning, it is recklessly irresponsible. Caution, whenever one argues in the absence of proof in support of something, it's not an argument anymore, it's blind zealotry.
Stapedius 10 years, 10 months ago
In case you haven't been on planet earth for the past 20 years. Yes I am saying that our legal system is a joke a shambles more like. It is ineffective, slow and grossly inefficient. You mention the Randy Frazier case as an analogy, but there is no analogy to be made. The Frasier matter was a personal matter regarding his own lewd and disgusting acts with a minor.The judgement was made against him not the church. So you are comparing apples with oranges my friend. Second, the Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic and Anglican churches etc operate schools in the country. We all know that there are rules for each system. If we don't like them then don't send your kids there. There are several other private schools that are not church linked. So we do have choices. But back to my initial point. This matter can be solved if the parents simply tried to do things with a little more strategy. They are all in the media spouting off about law suits. We really need to stop watching so much crap American entertainment.
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Nice one, but you forget the judgment against the church with Arawak...(your words 'any church'). Further, you are veering in a different lane. The question is about the students who were not in the video and still being punished. And whether you appreciate this fact or not Frazier represents a congregation and by extension, church.
Stapedius 10 years, 10 months ago
Not the case at all. The church is not obligated to settle any civil matters Frasier may have been tried for. He may have been the pastor of church but there was no legal judgement against the church. On the Arawak land matter, I'm not familiar with all the details so I can't speak to it. But you seem to be missing the point. I never mentioned any video or who was involved etc. The point that I've been making from the few previous posts is that this matter could have and should have been handled better. I will say again loose talk and premature mutterings about suing is not helpful. So talk about veering in the wrong lane. Where are you coming from about video etc? Who cares about the video at this point?
bromar 10 years, 10 months ago
When the business transaction took place between the school and the parent/guardian of the student; money was exchanged and an agreement was made for the service that was being provided. In this instance, it was a graduation ceremony and a prom. When the school accept a tuition, the name on that tuition is from the parent/guardian of the student only and not from a collective body of students hence, considered a business transaction. Any violations in the transaction should of been disclosed prior to the school accepting money for the service. Strange that every year the school would threaten not to host a prom or graduation, I would suggest looking further into the historical financial situation of the school as threats of being broke and needing money always come up at the end of a school year.
Understandfacts 10 years, 10 months ago
My sentiments exactly.
banker 10 years, 10 months ago
The contract implied by tuition and confirmed by common law of the courts states that tuition merely covers the precept that a person will receive an education -- not have a prom. Payment for cancelled events falls under consumer protection laws. There is no common law for consumer protection guaranteeing a refund for a cancelled event.
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
Forget what the law may or may not allow. Does it mean that SAC's being a Christian School and its Principal is a Bishop, isn't enough protect the monies of parents? If not, we are go'in need more than "Christian" prayers, for our tiny Bahamaland.
Amen!
banker 10 years, 10 months ago
The monies were jeopardised by the students. They created the forfeit.
PKMShack 10 years, 10 months ago
Did the good students warn the school that a prank was going to happen, oh yeah they did not know, hear about, talk about what was planned to anyone. Go off to school or get a job and welcome to the rest of your life. Bahamains like foolishness to much, Deal with it, about time someone took a stand in this country.
Concerned 10 years, 10 months ago
Not only didn't the good students not warn the school beforehand but after they problem kicked up they had the option to list all of the students that were involved but they REFUSED. So...... that made them all guilty; either by involvement or by covering it up. In some circles, that's considered a crime as much as the person who actually did the criminal act. But not in the Bahamas, we celebrate it.
TalRussell 10 years, 10 months ago
How in the hell has educating our youth now been turned into some kind of legal standoff between a Bishop of his students parents? SJC is a High School, not The Eugene Dupuch Law School. If this is how they run their school' s affairs. is it any wonder a "small number" of their students run afoul of school rules? yes, a small number, not the majority of the graduating students.
I guess if you have money to burn, the monies paid for the now canceled prom mean nothing to your bank account one way or the other. But the truth is for many of the SJC parents, they had to made financial sacrifices to afford the costs of prom night. What kind of christian Bishop would take their monies .... legal or not?
Concerned 10 years, 10 months ago
A few things: - Money is the root of all evil.
Building true character is priceless.
I would not count a jitney full, truck bed full and a mega dance line "a small number"
If there are so few guilty ones involved and prom and graduation means so much to the students, why haven't they come forward with the names of the true guilty party?
Many of these angels are 18yrs old or soon to be 18. Regardless of age they are all moving into the big world. If lessons aren't learned now, when and who will teach them? Definitely don't expect them to learn from our politicians and government leaders.
Understandfacts 10 years, 10 months ago
The Jitney was part of St. Johns Annual Float Parade. - Teachers were present. If they thought it to vulgar they could have stopped it.
The video is evidence enough that the administration can pick out the guilty few. Whatever they thought of that video and who was vulgar in it they can point it out.
I agree that the guilty students should be taught a lesson. But I do not think so a momentous occasion in the innocent student lives should be taken away because of the fear that our politicians and government leaders may not be able to provide valuable lessons.
PKMShack 10 years, 10 months ago
Every action or non action gets a reaction. You shoulda,coulda,woulda told on your friends not to go thru with the foolishness and you would not be in this mess.......Tell your peers not to do it, tell the school, tell your parents (who are now complaining) but no, now they complain that I did not do anything so why punish me,,,it's not fair.....correct you DID NOT SOUND THE ALARM EITHER. Most in the Bahamas don't ever want to make persons pay the price for what they did or did not do. Every step of they way we try and find a way to make an excuse not to pay the piper, Next year the graduatin class of SJC won't have to worry about topping this years class with a prank, Bet you they will think before they act........Be accountable is something needed in every class of Bahamains..........but oh We don't need that.....let's keep living in slackness
maryann 10 years, 10 months ago
Do you think our master is going to us judge based on what our parents or grandparent did, of course not.as my good book told me everyone will be judged according to her/his works .every top will have to stand on their own bottom.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
Yes, we suffer here on earth for Adam and for our fathers up to the 3rd and the 4th generation
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
Yea, BUT we are under the dispensation of Grace which not only affords us salvation if accepted, but intuitively bestows upon us personal responsibility--acceptance of our OWN wrong doing. Translation: because of Adam, flesh is sinful, because of Christ our soul is healed. I am sure the good bishop knows this
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
Dispensation, Mispensation...to have a child I must endure pain. If I want to eat, I have to work hard. My days are shortened to 60yrs. I suffer every day for my forefather's mistake. My acceptance of Christ takes none of that away. But I wholeheartedly agree with taking ownership for your actions, I said as much maybe on this post or another. On the other hand there are many situations in real life where we are subject to collective responsibility, many of us are familiar with the concept at our workplace
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
No ad hominem necessary, it doesn't suit you. I actually like some of your posts, but you Are being double-minded now. The point is, I am my brother's keeper but not his sacrifice for his transgressions. I know you know this but I am guessing you want the last word and think it clever to do so.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
Hmmm..I hope I get the last word this time.., I really thought I spoke to the point, i.e., I do suffer for what other people do and, there actually is a concept of collective responsibility in the universe. You are missing my point.
Perhaps the irresponsible students could show character and beg their innocent classmates to jettison them. Now that would be the best outcome ever.
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
To your more substantial point, your acceptance of Christ DOES give you eternal life. Yes you still have a physical death (the flesh is not eternal), but what IS taken away is the sting of Death as it relates to your soul--I am guessing you know this too, perhaps better than I do. And so we live with the blessed hope of Renewal and Everlasting life--and I know you know that too
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
I'm talking about life here on earth....where my feet and the misbehaving students are.
Nationalist 10 years, 10 months ago
I agree with refunding at least a portion of the graduation fee! BUT, the rest of this is quite sad.
Would someone please advise the good Bishop and Principal to go ahead and have a graduation ceremony? Boi, they should ask for my help, I'd plan the driest...DRYEST..... lacklusterist... ha, ha, graduation they ever seen! Since they're hell bent on being immature!!!
Rontom 10 years, 10 months ago
I agree this is becoming a 15th century Morality Play.
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