Anoka-Hennepin Teachers put on leave for harrassment

By Kathleen O'Connor

Yesterday what began as a protest outside Anoka Hennepin Technical School became a celebration as protestors learned that the Anoka Hennepin School District has placed the two teachers who harassed our client, Alex Merritt, on leave. The teachers harassed Alex in the fall of 2007 through January of 2008 by making anti-gay jokes about him in the classroom. The teachers will not be returning to the classroom when students begin school on Tuesday.
This is a victory both for Alex, who is not gay, and for those students throughout Minnesota, both gay and straight. Students of whatever sexual orientation should feel safe in coming to school, without fear of harassment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. Teachers in particular, who stand in positions of trust and authority, should never be allowed to behave in this way and remain teachers. As a result of Alex and his mother Jodi’s courage in standing up to the school district, and their willingness to come forward publicly, students at Anoka Hennepin, and throughout Minnesota, are safer from harassment. School districts undoubtedly will be reviewing their policies, practices and training of teachers and staff regarding this serious and sensitive issue. We are proud to have represented Alex and Jodi Merritt!

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1116594.shtml?cat=1


http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/teacher_harass_september_1_2009


http://www.twincities.com/ci_13250359

SNAP's Wisconsin victim outreach actions

By Bob Schwiderski

The single highest reward for advocating and supporting survivors is witnessing them stepping from the shadows of silence as they publicly stand above their suffering and pain. It was an honor witnessing the brave public actions of Brenda and Dan reaching out to others damaged by clergy sexual abuse at the SNAP press conference at Pacelli High School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Witness their bravery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUPC1tEo4X8

----------------------------------------

New: Accused abuser worked at Pacelli
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/article/20090831/SPJ0101/90831168/1983
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article

Sex abuse victims speak out [video]
http://www.waow.com/global/story.asp?s=11022230
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
----------------------------------------

Organization seeks possible victims of former Xavier High School teacher
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090901/APC0101/909010438/1979
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article

Group: Catholic clergyman abused students in 60's [video]
http://www.wfrv.com/default.aspx

Abuse victims sought locally
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/mobile/news_wluk_appleton_abuse_victims_sought_200908311725_rev1
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article

Wisconsin survisors, loved ones, witness outreach activity

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has determined civil justice for victims of clery sexual abuse may be applicable because of "fraud" by an institution which knew the abuser was a danger to children.

Today, Monday August 31st - SNAP is holding press conferences in Stevens Point and Appleton, Wisconsin for two purposes.
1.) To reach out to sexual abuse survivors and their loved ones, to encourage them to seek legal assistance in determining applicability of their injuries to the Wisconsin Supreme Court determination.
2.) Inform the family's who had children at Xavier High School in Appleton and Pacelli High School in Stevens Point from 1966 through 1970 a serial child sexual abusive cleric taught at the schools. The abuser, Christian Brother Raimond Rose - AKA: "Brother Rai or Brother Raimond or Brother Rose" - may have also had contact with other children at the Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center on the St. Croix River at the Wisconsin/Minnesota border.

Currently: There are six (6) active and two (2) pending - FRAUD (INTENTIONAL NON-DISCLOSURE) - civil lawsuits filled in Minnesota and Wisconsin courts. Clergy sexual abuse victims versus the Christian Brothers and the Diocese of Green Bay for the crimes of Rose and John Feeney.

Feeney is behind bars, Rose may be there in the future if there are Wisconsin survivors that bravely step forward. SNAP would like to see both Feeney and Rose behind bars and their survivors realizing civil justice and support.

The attached press releases have times and locations, contacts, and additional information for your benefit. Please join others with plans to participate. You are also encouraged to forward this information to others.

If you are not able to open the attachments contact Bob Schwiderski at 952-471-3422, skibrs@mchsi.com .

Sincerely,
Peter Isely, David Clohessy, Bob Schwiderski


http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=69


http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=70